THE UNOFFICIAL Federal Election campaign continues to build following the announcement of a childcare policy from the Government that could prove to be a game changer for its chances of re-election.
Two major changes to early childhood education are in the form of three days of childcare and 160 new centres to be built.
Labor plans to introduce a “3 day guarantee” (three days a week) of early childhood education and care to all children before they start school.
The new centres will be part of a $1.03 billion investment over four years.
The Government is proposing these will be non-profit and ideally built on, or close to, school sites.
The guarantee means parents will no longer need to satisfy an “activity test” (by working, studying or volunteering) to qualify for the Child Care Subsidy.
A 2022 Impact Economics report argued the activity test limited parents’ ability to respond to opportunities and pursue work, study and job search activities – especially those in casual jobs – because they have no or limited access to childcare.
The Government estimates the guarantee will benefit about 66,700 families in its first full financial year.
The construction of the centres follows recommendations from Mitchell Institute research into “childcare deserts”.
