WHY now?
Did you know that for every dollar spent on childcare, two dollars flows into the economy? (PwC, 2019)
With unemployment at its highest in 22 years, and coronavirus set to leave a permanent scar on families and the economy – we need strong leadership to even the playing field for parents and businesses trying to rebuild our society.
Make no mistake – women and families have been calling for more accessible childcare for decades. And for decades we have been told that it was out of the question. That was until April 2020, when the Government decided to make it free, overnight.
We can’t snap back now.
We must forge forward with reform of the Early Childhood Education and Care system and the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) to create the future we know is possible.
WHAT are we calling for?
Currently, the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) system and Child Care Subsidy is failing families who are struggling to afford the care they desperately need for their children.
By making it free overnight, the Government acknowledged the life-changing impact that having free and accessible childcare would have on businesses, families and the economy.
Now is not the time to snap back. Now is the time to make it free for good, and for all.
The Government needs to know that Aussie businesses and families care about this issue, and that we are watching for their next move.
We are calling urgently for the Government to reform the Early Childhood Education and Care system and Child Care Subsidy by committing to:
Make childcare free permanently for every Australian family
Ensure that every Australian child has access to quality childcare
Pay early childhood educators and carers a fairer wage
WHO IS behind this?
This movement is made up of Australian families and businesses, and is led by a group of passionate and predominantly women-led organisations including: Logie Interiors, Verve Super, Frankly Co, Shebah, Women’s Agenda, Her Lawyer, The Parenthood, Pirkx and more.
We gratefully acknowledge the work that has been done before us, including:
The Parenthood: Say No To Snap Back Campaign
United Workers Union: Big Steps Campaign
The Minderoo Foundation: Thrive By Five
Early Childhood Australia: Early Learning Everyone Benefits
We also recognise the disproportionate impact that this issue has on some Australians more than others. We are striving to be a diverse movement that represents Australians from all walks of life, abilities, family situations, genders, and locations.
That’s why we would love you to be part of our call for change.
We, the undersigned citizens and businesses of Australia, are calling on the Government not to snap back free childcare, and instead to reform the Early Childhood Education and Care system and Child Care Subsidy by committing to:
Make childcare free permanently for every Australian family
Ensure that every Australian child has access to quality childcare
Pay early childhood educators and carers a fairer wage
Making it free, for good and for all, will create a positive impact on the social and economic situation of families, give the economy a much-needed boost, and build the foundations for future generations to thrive.
Let’s make it happen.
We are committed to protecting your privacy.