LNP'S REGIONAL AUSTRALIA FUTURE FUND WELCOMED BY ADVOCATES, COMPREHENSIVE CHILDCARE POLICY STILL NEEDED

The Liberal-National Coalition's proposed Regional Australia Future Fund will help improve childcare and early learning access across rural, regional and remote communities.

Maddy Butler, The Parenthood’s Campaign Director and Convenor of the Access for Every Child Coalition (a group of more than 70 organisations advocating for improved access in the regions), said the Opposition's commitment was a positive step that should be followed by a comprehensive childcare policy agenda.

"The proposed Regional Australia Future Fund is an important funding measure to help address the severe childcare shortages facing rural communities," Ms Butler said.

"We commend the Coalition for recognising the need for ongoing investment to improve childcare access in regional, rural and remote Australia.

"While funding is an important piece of the puzzle, it alone won't address all the challenges facing regional communities. We urge the Opposition to build on this fund with a commitment to and vision for universal early childhood education and care, so that every child can access some form of care, no matter where they live.

“The next step is a comprehensive childcare policy, and we would welcome the opportunity to work with the Coalition on identifying areas of high need and the potential solutions for these communities.

"For regional, rural and remote families, access to early learning services is a crucial issue.

"Before they head to the polls, they deserve to know how both major parties will address these challenges.

"Voters still don't know if the Opposition supports abolishing the punitive Activity Test, which has long prevented some families in the regions from accessing the early learning services they need.

"The Opposition hasn't committed to any affordability measures, and - when families in the regions can access childcare - the costs are a major barrier.

"The proposed fund is a crucial first step in the right direction, but we are keen to see the finer details and a comprehensive policy that ensures every regional, rural and remote child can access quality early learning," Ms Butler said.