STATEMENT ON LABOR’S CHILDCARE POLICIES FOR THE NORTH

Thursday, 30 January 2025

Northern Australian families will be shocked by the Albanese Labor Government’s claims that they are financially better off in childcare payments, with the Prime Minister being accused of being tone-deaf to the fact that many regional communities cannot even access childcare.

Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald, said the Albanese Labor Government’s childcare policies totally missed a major issue facing many families outside of larger centres: availability of childcare.

“Families in remote areas are waiting years for childcare spots to become available but Labor has again put a band-aid on this issue instead of addressing fundamental shortfalls,” she said.

“For all of Labor’s spending, not one more parent in Mt Isa, Cooktown or Weipa has been able to get their kids into childcare.

“What about people where there’s no childcare such as Burketown or who are geographically isolated on cattle stations?

“People outside of larger centres have the same aspirations and work and study commitments as anyone but they are being left out of the national conversation on childcare.

“Labor has failed to address fundamental issues of access, affordability and quality in the sector – it shouldn’t be patting itself on the back.

“A Coalition Government will focus on flexibility, availability and choice for all families regardless of postcode.”

ENDS