This isn’t the childcare overhaul that we need
It’s great that we’re finally having a mature discussion about childcare, but fitting these well-intentioned changes within the existing funding framework won’t cut it, writes Catherine Fox.
The recommendations from the report by the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into childcareare rather like band aids for nasty wounds.
The report released on Friday certainly makes some sensible suggestions for simplifying payments and extending eligible assistance. But decades of increasing complexity accompanied by a frustrating lack of effect on women’s workforce participation won’t disappear with one inquiry.