Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Minister for Education) Share this | Hansard source

Well, that's a blessing, Mr Speaker. Out-of-pocket expenses are 3.2 per cent below where they were when we introduced the childcare reforms nearly two years ago. Everything that we have done in putting our new package in place has been done by consulting with the sector. We said to the sector: 'What is it that you think we need to do, because, as demand is increasing, you're asking us to be able to allow you to meet that demand.' One of the key things was that they said they wanted to see changes to the activity test, and that is exactly what we have done. They also said that they wanted to make sure that they could continue to provide support for the childcare workers in the sector, and that is exactly what we have done through a $708 million transition fund. What we said to the sector was: 'We want an employment guarantee to come with that.' And that is exactly what they've delivered.

So I thank the sector again for the way in which they have provided care throughout the coronavirus pandemic. If you look across the globe, the sector has been an absolute stand-out, and that is why we want to support it as demand increases. (Time expired)

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