Child care: Families worried about rising costs amid Government’s activity test proposal, survey fin
A survey of 3,500 families using child care has found more than 80 per cent are worried about rising costs.
The research by childcare provider Goodstart Early Learning identified affordability as the biggest factor stopping parents from working more hours.
The survey also questioned parents about their attitude towards the Federal Government’s plan to introduce a new activity test before they qualify for subsidised care.
Under the Government’s proposal, both parents must work, study or volunteer for at least eight hours a fortnight if they want to qualify for the new child care subsidy.
For non-working families the survey found 38 per cent would reduce their hours of child care if they failed to meet the test, rather than increase their activity.
Goodstart’s advocacy manager John Cherry said this showed the Government’s proposed activity test will result in children dropping out of early education.
“And that’s a real concern because that would reduce the access of some of Australia’s most disadvantaged children to early learning and that’s not in the country’s best interests,” he said.
Read more: ABC Online