The childcare sector is set to take a massive blow
with the reintroduction of childcare fees tomorrow, followed by an end to
JobKeeper payments for childcare workers in a week.
Labor MLC for Elwick, Josh Willie,
said childcare
was already unaffordable before COVID-19.
“We are in the middle of this
health and economic crisis, and the Liberals are already winding back vital
support for the childcare industry and the families that rely up on it,” Mr
Willie said.
“Early
childcare education is education – it is not baby-sitting. These nurturing
environments equip our children with skills to start school.
“It’s a
right that all parents should be able to access education for their children
and it shouldn’t be made so hard for parents who want the best for their
children.
Mr Willie
said childcare businesses are worried they may struggle to maintain employment
levels when childcare support ends, alongside a wind-back in JobKeeper payments
across the industry.
“With free
childcare no longer available, some families will remove their children because
care is no longer affordable, particularly if they have lost work or have had
their hours reduced.
“Without
access to affordable care, it will also hurt the economy because of the
barriers to workforce participation.
“The
education and care sector employ more than 3000 people across Tasmania and if
families begin removing their children from early learning and care, the
resulting drop in demand will create significant issues for providers.
“With
JobKeeper payments for childcare workers also to be wound back, the industry
may struggle to remain viable.
“This is
devastating – it’s devastating for children, parents, educators and for all of
us.
“Winding
back access to affordable childcare at this time starts the patterns of
disadvantage even before children can walk.
“Access to education and care for our children and families shouldn’t be made so hard and I urge the Liberal government rethink its ‘snap back’ and ensure the ongoing viability of the sector.”
Josh Willie MLC
Labor Member for Elwick
