Childcare subsidy reform could see 100,000 families out of care
The childcare sector is concerned that up to 100,000 Australian families may have to pull their children out of childcare because of tough new requirements about the number of hours their parents will need to work to get childcare subsidies.
The Abbott government is considering a Productivity Commission proposal that would require both parents working or studying for 24 hours a fortnight to qualify for childcare subsidies.
While those in the childcare sector are comfortable with government plans to streamline childcare payments in an upcoming families package, the idea of increasing work hours for parents is a sticking point.