Australian Government announces targeted support to most vulnerable early learning services

The following content is lifted from an ACA Media Release - Monday 23rd August 2021:

Australia’s peak body for early learning (childcare) commends the Australian Government for recognising the immediate impact of the latest COVID-19 lockdowns across Greater Sydney, Melbourne and regional Victoria, by providing immediate targeted support for those service providers struggling the most.

The Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) President, Mr Paul Mondo, says the new support will make the difference between staying afloat or closing for many service providers in NSW as well as Victoria, bearing the brunt of the latest COVID-19 lockdowns.

“This targeted support means that those early learning services struggling the most from lockdowns can keep the lights on and still be there for families on the other side of these lockdown periods,when the whole economy is able to open up and rebuild. We’re extremely grateful for this rapid response to what could have been another impending crisis for our sector.”

The support payments will be contingent on a number of conditions – to be eligible services must anticipate or be experiencing attendance below 50 per cent, agree to waive gap fees for all families whose children are not attending, maintain staffing levels, agree to a fee freeze for the duration of support and refrain from accessing other Commonwealth Government funded supports.

“Coupled with the government’s recent allowance for service providers in declared hotspots to waive the gap fee to families during this period, we hope this new policy provides the assistance our sector so desperately needs. As the new support mechanism is implemented in practice, we will get an understanding of how it is working at the service level, and whether there are any unexpected problems that may need addressing.”

“As the bedrock of Australia’s economy, our sector has made every effort to stand by the children and their families during this challenging COVID-19 climate. We would like to wholeheartedly thank Minister Tudge, the Treasurer and the Prime Minister for listening to our members and recognising the importance of ensuring that Australian families have access to high quality early learning services throughout this difficult year,” Mr Mondo said.

“ACA will continue to assess the situation and work with the government in the best interests of families and their children at this time.” Mr Mondo concluded.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Paul Mondo 0411 587 170 and Nesha Hutchinson 0412 085 068