Today all child care in early learning and child care centres across Australia will be free.
This comes as a huge relief to child care centres across our region including Bright Minds early learning centre in Bannockburn.
From today, the Morrison Government will pay 50 per cent of the sector’s fee revenue up to the existing hourly rate cap providing services remain open and child care is provided free of charge.
This represents not just a lifeline for parents who are essential workers and families who are vulnerable, but also child care workers and business owners.
Bright Minds proprietor, Belinda Shaw, said: “The announcement really is a lifeline for our business. Our capacity had dropped by 80 per cent, either due to families losing their jobs or parents keeping their children home due to precaution.
“What this package does is enable us to keep all our staff employed and hold all our families bookings so that on the other side, be it 3 or 6 months, the business will be able to bounce straight back.
“I’m lucky to have a landlord who, after discussions, has come to a negotiated rent until this passes which this package will also help pay.
“Together with JobKeeper, this package has guaranteed our survival.
“It also means that 45 of our employees are a lot less stressed and will be able pay their mortgages, put food on the table, and look to the future after this virus has passed,” Ms Shaw concluded.
Senator Sarah Henderson said: “The $1.6 billion extra we are delivering to support child care centres, families and child care workers at this time is vital.
“Child care is an essential service and this investment means the industry can stay afloat.
“As the Prime Minister has reiterated so often, we stand by all Australians at this time as we work together to get through the coronavirus pandemic.”
5 April 2020