Perth families to benefit from more affordable early learning

The Albanese Government is set to deliver more affordable early childhood education for around 1.2 million Australian families, including 6,800 families in Perth.

From July, families right across Australia will be able to benefit from real cost-of-living relief thanks to the Albanese Government’s Cheaper Child Care policy.

For a family on about $120,000 with a child in care three days a week, the changes will cut costs by about $1,700 a year.

The Child Care Subsidy rates will lift to 90 per cent for families on a combined income of $80,000 or less.

The higher subsidy for families with a second and subsequent child aged five or under in care will be retained.

The number of hours of subsidised care Aboriginal and Torres Strait children are eligible for will also rise to a minimum of 36 hours a fortnight from July, benefiting around 6,600 families and encouraging more to use care.

Families can now calculate their Child Care Subsidy by visiting www.startingblocks.gov.au/child-care-subsidy-calculator.

The Government’s Cheaper Child Care policy is complemented by the $72.4 million early education workforce package included in this week’s Budget which supports the skills and training of workers in the sector.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINISTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DR ANNE ALY

“This is real cost-of-living relief to the household budgets for families struggling with the rising cost of living, while also improving the economic security of women.

“The cost of early childhood education is one of the first things families have to factor in when they sit down at the kitchen bench to do the household budget – we’re helping to ease that pressure.

“More affordable early childhood education and care means more Australian children can access the transformational health and education benefits of foundation years learning no matter their postcode or background.”

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER PATRICK GORMAN

“It is clear from today’s visit to Akidamy how passionate Minister Aly is about accessible, high quality early childhood education.

“My mum was an early childhood teacher for a number of decades. Both of my children are in child care. I know the difference this investment will make for Australian families.

“Making child care more affordable and more accessible for working families will put money back into their pockets to assist with cost of living pressures.”

[ENDS]