How Australia’s childcare goes?

Childcare costs in Australia have been rising steadily over the past decade. In the past three years, these increases have even outpaced rises in the cost of electricity and housing.

Source: AAP

Both Labor and Liberal agree on a need to increase childcare assistance - but the major parties can’t agree on how to provide the assistance.

The government wants to cut other family payments before committing to any childcare relief.

Education Minister Senator Simon Birmingham argues affordable childcare is vital in families choosing "when or how much to work that best suit their family circumstances".

A 2014 Productivity Commission report recognised that access to affordable childcare can lift workforce participation and benefit children's development, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Senator Nick Xenophon has pledged to block the government’s multi-faceted reforms.

Childcare costs in Australia have been rising steadily over the past decade. In the past three years, these increases have even outpaced rises in the cost of electricity and housing.

Source: ABS CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

Senator Birmingham announced today that 3600 families had already run out of the $7500 rebate for 2016-17, which covers half the cost of childcare. Despite many families reducing their use of care, another 90,000 will hit this cap before July.

On a global scale, parents in Australia still pay more for childcare than parents in most OECD nations.