CHILDCARE ‘SMOKING GUN’ IN FEDERAL ELECTION
Queensland childcare industry applauds federal opposition’s call for a planning system around families needs
The Queensland childcare industry supports the Federal Opposition’s calls for a comprehensive planning system and weekly payments to be paid to centres to slash the cost of out of pocket childcare for parents.
The Government’s cap on rebates, the erosion of government subsidies, COAG reform and modernisation of the award will drive childcare prices up in Queensland and parents could pay $100 extra per week for each child.
Childcare Queensland, the state’s peak childcare body representing over 210,000 parents, says the opposition is forming the right policy when it comes to making childcare affordable and assessable to every family.
“Childcare should be assessable to every child but with costs rising childcare will become out of reach for many Queensland families,” Childcare Queensland President Peter Price said.
“Childcare must to be made available where there is demand, not where it is easy to build,” Mr. Price said.
“Queensland’s 500,000 parents using childcare deserve better than increasing costs and a one system fits all policy.
“Coalition childcare spokesperson Dr. Sharman Stone has our support in her efforts to achieve a fair and affordable childcare system for Queenslanders.”
Sharman Stone has also called for weekly payments to be made to the childcare provider rather than each quarter to the parent, which will cut costs for parents.
Childcare Queensland is Australia’s largest state child care organisation with a membership of nearly 1000 long day care centres, caring for 115,000 children, communicating with over 210,000 parents and representing 15,000 staff.
Available for interview: Childcare Queensland President Peter Price – 0418 788 889
