Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Wednesday 5 February 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The Minister for Early Childhood Education introduced legislation to replace the childcare subsidy activity test with a guarantee of 72 subsidised hours per fortnight for all families. The bill aims to create a universal early learning system by removing barriers to access, particularly for disadvantaged and First Nations families. It includes specific provisions to increase entitlements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to 100 hours per fortnight. The Minister highlighted previous wage increases for educators and fee caps as foundational steps toward this goal. The debate was adjourned without a final vote recorded in the transcript.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Anne Aly (Cowan) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Aly argued that the bill represents a critical step toward a universal, affordable, and accessible early learning system for every family. Aly stated that the legislation replaces the previous activity test, which restricted access for many families, with a guarantee of at least 72 subsidised hours per fortnight. Aly emphasised that this change would provide cost-of-living relief to approximately 66,700 families in the first year, with lower-income households saving an average of $1,460 annually. Aly noted that the bill specifically increases entitlements for families with First Nations children to 100 hours per fortnight, based on community consultation. Aly linked these reforms to previous government actions, including a 15 per cent wage increase for educators and fee caps, which have helped reduce workforce vacancy rates.

Government response

Anne Aly (Minister for Early Childhood Education; Minister for Youth) ALP Cowan

Aly introduced the bill as a measure to ensure every child has access to quality early childhood education and care, regardless of background or location. Aly explained that the amendments to the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 would remove the activity test and establish a minimum entitlement of 72 hours per fortnight. Aly highlighted that the policy addresses disparities in access, noting that only 54 per cent of children in disadvantaged areas were previously enrolled compared to 76 per cent in higher socioeconomic areas. Aly stated that the guarantee supports workforce participation while ensuring places are available for those working or studying. Aly commended the bill to the chamber as part of a broader strategy to build a universal early education system.