We are calling on the Albanese Government to expand the Childcare Subsidy to allow families to direct their existing subsidy to a broader range of care options.

Right now, most families can only access the taxpayer-funded childcare subsidy for centre-based daycare.  This system funnels money into the pockets of for-profit childcare owners - some of whom cut corners and sacrifice quality and child safety for profit margins. This has created a system where families are left with no choice but to continue with this model of care due to cost of living pressures.

The Australian Government should be helping parents to have more choice over who is caring for their children while they work. 

We are asking for one simple but powerful change: Allow the Child Care Subsidy to be used for a broader range of care options, including care by grandparents, nannies, au-pairs and co-working spaces that allow parents to keep children close. 

Not every family has the same needs when it comes to raising children; which is why more alternatives are required to ensure a fair, equitable and safe care system for all Australian children under five years old. 

Alternative care options, such as paying family members, babysitters or other trusted carers are typically not covered by the Child Care Subsidy, making individualised care unaffordable for most Australian families. 

All Australian families deserve access to government-subsidised childcare funding that truly reflects the diverse needs, cultures and choices of their household. 

Expanding the subsidy would further allow Australian parents to return to work by letting them choose the care model which meets the circumstances of their family and the needs of their child. 

We acknowledge that there are many great daycares and many more dedicated and loved carers in this country. This petition is not taking away from that; it is to give more choice to parents.

Sign this petition to call on the Australian Government to make childcare support inclusive, flexible, and fairer for all.  Together, let’s build a system that puts children and families first, not just profits.

FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY: @ForParentsAu
DONATE TO KEEP IT GOING: https://gofund.me/9bbfee9b

THIS PETITION AT A GLANCE: 

• We are calling on the Australian Government to expand the Child Care Subsidy to all working families to give better choice to parents about who cares for their children.
• This change will have positive impacts on the ability for more women to stay in or return to the workforce by addressing a shortage in childcare placements nationally.
• Families are hurting with cost of living pressures and are forced into using centre based childcare with no alternatives. This change will allow them to continue working but have more options for flexible childcare.

*Access to the current “In Home Care program” is extremely limited and the requirement for the care provider to be a qualified educator is unnecessarily burdensome for 1:1 care of infants and children under 5.