‘Increasingly unsafe’: Australia’s in-home childcare program under threat from rising costs, advocate warns
Summary
Australia’s in-home childcare program, which helps about 800 families who cannot access regular childcare, is under threat because rising costs are not covered by government funding. Families are facing higher fees, and nearly one-third of childcare providers worry they might have to shut down. This is causing many families to reduce childcare hours or leave the program.Key Facts
- The in-home childcare program supports families in remote areas, with children who have serious illnesses or disabilities, or parents working unusual hours.
- About 800 families currently use this government-supported program.
- Costs for accommodation and wages have risen, but the government has not increased funding to cover these.
- Childcare workers in this program are not included in a federal pay rise scheme that benefits mainstream childcare workers.
- A survey found 31% of providers risk closure, with many already operating under pressure.
- Up to 50% of families might leave the program after a July wage increase, threatening service viability.
- Since 2018, program participation has dropped from 59% to 25% of available places.
- The Productivity Commission recommended reviewing the hourly payment cap because it does not cover actual operating costs for in-home care.
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