With at least 879 early learning services currently closed due to the floods in south-east Queensland and northern NSW, The Parenthood is calling on the Federal government to provide assistance for families and providers as a matter of urgency.
“Providers that are unable to operate due to the floods need the ability to waive gap fees for families immediately,” The Parenthood Executive Director, Georgie Dent, said.
“Without that parents will have to pay for a service their children cannot attend. With 879 services closed in Queensland alone and many more in NSW this is a significant issue.
“It is not sustainable or appropriate in this crisis for parents to pay for childcare they cannot use.
“Waiving the gap fees will at least ensure providers are still able to collect some childcare subsidy. Given the financial pressure the early learning sector is still facing as a result of the pandemic it is imperative that assistance is provided swiftly.”
The Parenthood is calling on the Education Minister to enable providers to waive gap fees for parents and still collect the child care subsidy immediately.
It also calls on the Federal government to deliver direct funding to centres to cover waived gap fees and help providers pay their hardworking educators and remain sustainable.
