Community Child Care Association and Community Early Learning Australia welcome tonight’s budget announcing the investment of over $9 billion to deliver a stronger, more accessible education and care sector.

The government’s investments will increase access, improve quality and reduce costs for millions of families.

Along with reduced out-of-pocket costs through the government’s Cheaper Child Care policy, children and families in rural and remote communities will have greater access to services through the $18 million Community Child Care Fund. This fund is designed to provide capital to build new centre-based and family day care services across areas of high need.

“Thousands of children are currently missing out on the benefits of education and care because there are simply no services where they live or there aren’t enough places available in existing services,” said CELA CEO, Michele Carnegie.

“Every child deserves access to high-quality education and care. Today’s budget will contribute towards making it possible for children and families to get the care they need, regardless of where they live.”

The budget also includes funding for $72.4 million over five years to support the skills and training of teachers and educators in the early childhood sector.

The funding will provide backfill support for 75,000 educators to undertake professional development as well as financial support for early childhood teachers and educators undertaking practicum placements.

“Investments in access for children and families must be matched by investments in the early education and care workforce. Children deserve educators and teachers who can confidently support their learning and development,” said Julie Price, Executive Director of CCC.

“Along with improving quality, this investment will also be an immediate boost to support workforce attraction and retention at a time when it is desperately needed.”

CCC and CELA look forward to working with the government to support the delivery of these initiatives.