RURAL WOMEN NEED CHILDCARE

The Country Women’s Association of NSW (CWA of NSW) joins calls for Government provision of universal access to early learning and care, as research suggests that being unable to work due to lack of childcare services is a challenge that regional, rural and remote mothers disproportionately grapple with.  

The Country Women’s Association of NSW (CWA of NSW) joins calls for Government provision of universal access to early learning and care, as research suggests that being unable to work due to lack of childcare services is a challenge that regional, rural and remote mothers disproportionately grapple with.  

Media release

Thursday 16 January

Historic advocates for women’s rights in regional, rural and remote NSW, The Country Women’s Association of NSW (CWA of NSW), are the latest rural force calling on all parties to fix the early learning crisis crippling families and economies in regional, rural and remote Australia. 

They join the National Farmers’ Federation, the National Rural Health Alliance, the Australian Education Union and 66 others as members of The Parenthood’s Access for Every Child Rural Coalition. 

In a 2024 CWA of NSW member survey, when asked what measures respondents thought could help improve economic opportunities for women in regional, rural or remote NSW/ACT, 40.46% identified investing in affordable childcare.

The survey results build on similar research from Essential in late 2024 which suggested that being unable to work due to lack of childcare is worse (at 26%) for parents in regional, rural and remote Australia than in the cities (at 14%).  

 CEO of CWA of NSW, Danica Leys said they are pleased to join The Parenthood’s coalition, with early learning and care access a key issue for the women they represent. 

“Our members regularly tell us that finding care and learning opportunities for their young children is extremely difficult, so we know the extent of this crisis,” said Ms Leys.  

“Many women are forced to stay out of the workforce simply because there is no access to childcare. It’s one of the most significant barriers to social and economic participation and empowerment for women in rural, regional, and remote areas. This is not just a personal issue; it’s an economic one that affects families, communities, and the future of regional Australia.” 

Coalition convenor, Maddy Butler, said that having the Country Women’s Association of NSW support their call for universal access to early learning speaks to the particular need for early childhood education and care for mothers of young children in country Australia. 

 “As leaders for social progress for women in regional, rural and remote Australia, we’re very excited to have the CWA of NSW’s insight and influence behind our cause,” said Ms Butler. 

 “Early learning and care is far less available outside of the cities, leaving many mothers unable to work and therefore many families forced to get by on a single income, exacerbating already high financial pressures.

“In December, the Federal Government committed to invest $1billion into building and expanding new centres in areas with high need if re-elected at the upcoming Election. We hope to see commitments from all parties which address Australia’s regional, rural and remote early learning shortage.”

Almost one in four Australians live in a “childcare desert”, where three or more children compete for one childcare place.

“By joining The Parenthood's Access for Every Child Rural Coalition, we are standing alongside other key rural organisations to call for a universal early learning and care system that will support the health, wellbeing, and economic prosperity of rural families. It’s time for the Federal Government to step up and make early childhood education and care accessible for every child, no matter where they live," said Ms Leys. 

The Access for Every Child Rural Coalition launched in May 2024. They’re calling on the Federal Government to publicly manage the early childhood education and care system so that every child across Australia is able to access care. Their joint statement can be viewed here: https://www.theparenthood.org.au/access_for_every_child