27/8/21 

 

For weeks, Labor was calling on the Morrison Government to implement an urgent support package for the early learning sector.  

 

It had been clear in our ongoing talks with providers and educators how dire the situation has become. Providers have been telling us their viability was seriously at risk. 

 

In many cases, families have carried the financial burden of keeping services afloat, by having to continue to pay fees for child care they weren’t accessing.   

 

Finally, after much delay, the government has acted, and introduced funding support for the sector. The details of the funding support can be found here: 

Announcements | Department of Education, Skills and Employment (dese.gov.au)  

 

The government’s senseless delay has cost the sector millions, cost educators’ jobs, and cost families hundreds of dollars in childcare fees they shouldn’t have been paying. 

 

While we are disappointed it has taken this long, we are pleased that the Morrison Government has finally caved to Labor’s pressure to provide a support package. 

 

Labor will monitor the implementation of this funding support over the coming weeks to ensure it is working to save educator jobs and keep services viable. We will keep listening to the sector, families and educators to ensure the early learning sector gets through these lockdowns. 

 

I would be interested to hear any feedback you have on how the new package is working for you.