Child Care

Claydon argued that the government’s cheaper child care policy had provided cost-of-living assistance to over one million families, saving the average family approximately $2,768. Claydon highlighted the establishment of 1,083 new services, with nearly 30 per cent outside major cities, and an increase of 42,000 educators. Claydon announced the abolition of the activity test in favour of a three-day guarantee to support parents seeking work or study. Claydon also noted a 15 per cent wage increase for educators, which had led to a significant rise in job applications.

Ware supported the motion, stating that parents in her electorate were reducing their child care usage due to high costs. Ware criticised the government for reviving failed policies from the Rudd era and argued that the three-day guarantee would not help families who could not afford three days of care. Ware claimed the Coalition’s previous activity test provided necessary choice and argued that the government had failed to control inflation and business costs. Ware asserted that the Coalition would focus on reducing inflation and improving child care quality if re-elected.

Templeman stated that the government had cut early learning costs by more than 17 per cent since introduction, benefiting families significantly. Templeman cited data showing a 22 per cent drop in workforce vacancy rates in the sector due to government investments. Templeman argued that the previous government’s activity test excluded many families, particularly single parents, and highlighted the need for the Building Early Education Fund to address childcare deserts in areas like the Blue Mountains. Templeman emphasised that evidence-based reforms were essential for building a universal system.

Garland reiterated that the cheaper child care policy had saved the average family $2,768 since September 2023. Garland contrasted this with the previous government, where child care prices rose by 49 per cent, twice the OECD average. Garland highlighted the creation of over 1,000 new services and 41,000 additional educators, resulting in nearly 100,000 more children in care. Garland praised the 15 per cent wage increase for educators as recognition of their vital role in early childhood education.

Tehan argued that the government had failed to address child care deserts in regional and rural areas, such as Wannon, due to a focus on inner-city concerns. Tehan stated that without addressing business costs and workforce shortages, new centres could not open. Tehan claimed the government’s policies were creating unsustainable settings for child care providers, who are often small businesses. Tehan emphasised the need for policies that specifically target regional availability and workforce recruitment to support families returning to the workforce.

Khalil argued that the previous government had halved subsidised hours for low-income families, reducing access from 48 to 24 hours. Khalil stated that the three-day guarantee would benefit over 100,000 families, saving an average of $1,370 in the first financial year. Khalil highlighted the $3.6 billion investment in a 15 per cent wage increase for educators to retain and attract staff. Khalil claimed the Coalition had shown contempt for fairness and inclusion, whereas Labor was building a universal early education system.

Violi argued that the government had failed to increase the supply of child care places, leading to price increases. Violi cited data showing severe shortages in the Yarra Ranges, with ratios of up to 50 children per place in some suburbs. Violi claimed that investing in subsidies without increasing supply drove prices up, contrary to economic principles. Violi highlighted the struggles of families in his electorate to access long-day care, particularly given long commuting distances.

Laxale stated that the government’s policies had benefited 9,000 families in Bennelong, cutting costs by over 17 per cent. Laxale highlighted the 15 per cent wage increase for educators, which would raise weekly pay by at least $103, increasing to $155 by December 2025. Laxale announced that the three-day guarantee would start in 2026, providing subsidised care for 66,700 families. Laxale criticised Coalition members for opposing evidence-based reforms and making claims that early education harmed families.