Costs for early childhood education and care has increased by approximately 41 per cent over the past eight years – a significant burden to many Australian families already struggling to make ends meet.
The Albanese Government knows the toll this is taking on Australian families, including the thousands of families right here in Greenway.
In response to these increasing costs, the Albanese Government has put the education of our youngest Australians at the heart of our first budget – with a $4.5B investment in early childhood and care.
This investment means early childhood education will be more affordable for 1.2 million Australian families – ensuring children can access the benefits of early childhood education and care, no matter their circumstances.
Under the Plan for Cheaper Child Care, the Government will lift the maximum Child Care Subsidy rate to 90 per cent for families earning under $80,000.
In turn, a family on a combined income of $120,000 with one child in care will save around $1,700 in the first year of this plan alone.
Changes to the Child Care Subsidy system are underway so that these changes will come into effect in July of 2023.
With almost 10,000 families in Greenway, I am thrilled that soon local households will benefit from what is not just a boost to early learning, but to the economy as well.
Michelle Rowland is Minister for Communications and Federal Member for Greenway. www.michellerowland.com.au
