$100 million to deliver choice in child care for regional families

An elected Coalition Government will establish a new Raising the Regions Program to deliver flexible and innovative approaches to early childhood education and care in child care deserts; regional and rural areas where there is limited or no supply.

Leader of The Nationals, the Hon David Littleproud MP, said the Coalition understands the complexities of delivering early childhood education and care in rural and regional Australia, and the importance of creating more choice and flexibility for families and service providers.

“We know that regional, rural and remote communities in Australia have little to no access to child care. We also know that long day care models of early childhood education doesn’t always work for these communities, which have far fewer children and families spread across vast geographies,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We will provide a significant investment of $100 million to deliver solutions for communities who have been forgotten by Anthony Albanese and the Labor Government.

“Labor’s policies have completely neglected this reality. The guarantee of child care three days a week means absolutely nothing if you live in a community where you can’t even get one day a week.”

Under the Coalition’s commitment, funding will be available to support the set-up or expansion of flexible alternatives to the long-day care model, with potential models including;

• Allowing family day care educators to run care out of a community space, such as a town hall or library;
• Delivery in nature, such as bush kindy;
• Mobile day care; or
• Employer-supported models in workplaces.

Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education, Ms Angie Bell MP, said the Coalition was committed to giving every child in regional Australia access to quality early learning, regardless of where they live.

“Over the last three years, Labor has failed to meaningfully address issues around quality, affordability or access. Labor’s policies on child care have been full of spin and empty promises,” Ms Bell said.

“Families and children living in regional Australia deserve better. We must create greater flexibility in early childhood education and care models so that children can have the best start in life and primary carers can re-enter the workforce should they choose to.”

This is part of our plan for regional Australia, which includes the establishment of the Regional Australia Future Fund. One of the initial key priorities for this Fund will be delivering flexible child care solutions for families in regional, rural and remote areas.