A SPECIALIST child development service has weighed into the childcare policy debate ahead of the Federal Election, saying Labor’s three-day-a-week guarantee will help rural families.
Royal Far West, which provides developmental support for children 12 and under, including to schools in Far West New South Wales, welcomed Labor’s $1 billion plan which also involves building or extending 160 childcare centres.
The guarantee will replace the activity test from the beginning of next year, with the policy promising guaranteed eligibility for three days a week of subsidised early education for children who need it.
The ‘activity test’ sees subsidies increased as a parent or carer’s work or activities are increased, with RFW chief executive Jacqui Emery saying it was a major barrier for regional families.
“One of the most significant barriers is the activity test applied to the Child Care Subsidy, which puts families in a double bind, unable to access care for their young children if they are not working, but unable to work because they have no access to care,” she said.
“This means not only is it impossible for parents to earn a living, children miss out on the potentially life-altering benefits of early education.”
Ms Emery said the arguments for boosting Australia’s childcare support were strong.
“Children who have the opportunity to access early learning and support for their healthy development are shown to be more engaged at school, to be more likely to finish school, go on to further education and to participate in the workforce,” she said.
“They are less likely to have mental health issues and come into contact with the justice system.
“Too many country children are starting school behind and will struggle to catch up.
“We know that country kids are up to twice as likely as city kids to start school developmentally vulnerable.
“High quality early education is the best opportunity to identify issues early, provide support and help reduce this inequity and reverse this worrying trend.”
RFW supports more than 24,000 country children, parents and educators across four states including NSW and Victoria – including 364 rural and remote communities and 211 schools and early childhood centres.
