EARLY LEARNING SCORECARD REVEALS PARTIES’ CHILDCARE POLICIES

A political scorecard (attached) revealing major parties’ policy commitments regarding the quality, cost and availability of childcare has today been released by The Parenthood. 

Of seven key policy recommendations to deliver a universal high-quality early childhood education and care system in Australia, The Greens have committed to implementing all seven, while Labor has fully or partially committed to six, and the Coalition has partially committed to two. 

CEO of The Parenthood, Georgie Dent said that the scorecard will help families make informed decisions around early childhood education and care ahead of the Federal Election on 3 May. 

“Early childhood education and care is profoundly consequential in the way it affects how families function, how children thrive and the manner in which it underpins communities and the economy,” said Ms Dent.

“The cost and availability of early childhood education and care will be a key determinant of families’ household budgets from election day and beyond 

“The cost-of-living for parents of children six and under rose by 27 per cent between 2021 - 2024, and childcare was the third fastest growing good in the CPI basket. 

“The Parenthood and other early education advocates have been campaigning for all parties to commit to delivering universally accessible, high quality early childhood education and care.

“That means expanding the availability of services in regional, rural and remote areas where they are notoriously scarce. And it means making childcare free for children from low-income households and introducing a universal $10-a-day cap on fees for everyone else, and ensuring there is a place available for every child and family who needs one. 

“It is simple, equitable and would boost workforce participation and outcomes for children. 

“Neither cost nor postcodes should be a barrier to a child participating in early education or a parent returning to paid work when that is required.

“Important progress has been made by Labor towards a truly universal system; most notably including the wage rise for educators, funding for childcare deserts* and guaranteed access to three days of early learning for all children.

“The Coalition have shown signs they may be open to funding higher wages for early childhood educators and increasing funding for Aboriginal Community Controlled Centres, but are yet to reveal their positions on all other policy recommendations, despite our prompting. 

“Our vision for 2025 and beyond is to work with whoever next takes government to deliver a high quality, inclusive early learning system in Australia where all children have the opportunities to participate no matter their parents’ circumstances,” said Ms Dent.

Media contact: Maria Kelly / 0432 049 034

*A childcare desert is an area where three or more children compete for a childcare place. 

Download the scorecard here