JULY 29, 2010

Better Deal Needed for Families on Fee Relief

With a Federal Election around the corner, it’s time to think about what’s really important to families and the community.

High quality, affordable child care is essential, but when it comes to assisting families Australia ranks poorly on the world stage.

For every dollar invested in making child care accessible, many more don’t have to be spent later on difficult youth and adult interventions.

Economists and policy leaders know this, but as a nation we still pour money into solving problems rather than preventing them.

A better deal on fee relief is needed so that families can take advantage of new child care standards agreed by the Council of Australian Governments.

But new standards only mean something if families can afford them.

With so much at stake, Illawarra Children’s Services will continue to advocate until genuine access is achieved for every family.

It’s too important to set aside.

Bill Feld, CEO