Katie Allen (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) the Government's childcare support during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Victoria, ensured childcare was available to families who needed it; and

(b) nearly $3 billion was provided to support the early childhood education and care sector during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—protecting the sector from imminent collapse;

(2) acknowledges a record $10.3 billion is being provided to subsidise childcare fees, putting more money back in the pockets of Australian families; and

(3) recognises that quality, affordable childcare is available for families now because of the Government's efforts to back the sector in 2020.

The Morrison government has protected lives and livelihoods throughout the COVID crisis and now, as a government, we're ensuring a strong economic recovery. Changing attitudes around women returning to work after having children, along with improved access to child care, have increased women's participation in the workforce to record highs. As the Treasurer said, we want more Australians in jobs. In jobs, there is a dignity, there is a meaning and there is a purpose, and that should be open to both men and women equally. One of the ways we are doing this is by protecting and improving child care. By lifting barriers, we help reduce the disincentives for women and men to participate in the workforce to the full extent they choose.

When a family welcomes a baby, it's an incredibly exciting and sometimes turbulent time. To have the freedom of choice on how they care for their new family empowers parents—freedom to balance their new responsibilities without sacrificing their career or their precious time with their children. Perhaps a parent would like to undertake study or further training while caring for their children. Perhaps they'd like to go back to work for an extra day or two a week as their children grow. This is an incredibly important time in young families' careers as they're aspiring to a better life. As my adult children are leaving university and entering the workforce, they are looking for opportunities, and these opportunities weren't available to people of my generation. When I was building my career and having babies, there was no maternity leave and there was no childcare subsidy. I also, unfortunately, didn't have the benefit of grandmothers who were alive to help us.

I'm very proud of the commitment that our government has made to preserving family choice. As part of the budget announced last night, our government has announced an additional $1.7 billion to further help Australian families with the cost of child care. This will further encourage workforce participation for both men and women at an aspiring time of their careers. As part of the budget, our government has announced, starting on 1 July 2022, an increase in the childcare subsidies available to families with more than one child aged five and under in child care. This will benefit around 250,000 families across Australia. For those with more than one child in child care, the level of subsidy received will increase by 30 per cent, to a maximum subsidy of 95 per cent of fees paid for their second and subsequent children. This is akin to saying, 'Let's get out there and have more kids!' It's fantastic news. I remember the baby bonus of the Howard-Costello years, when we were encouraged to have more children. These changes will ensure half of Australian families receive a 95 per cent subsidy for the second child and subsequent children. Secondly, the annual cap of $10,560 for families earning over $189,000 will be removed for all families. This investment builds on $10.3 billion that the government is already investing in child care this year. By increasing the childcare subsidy for families with two or more children, we'll help support the choices of working Australian families. This is a targeted investment that makes childcare more affordable. It increases workforce participation and will boost the Australian economy by up to $1.5 billion per year, an incredibly important productivity measure.

But our measures that are in place will truly open the door for those choosing to work or to work more. The measures will help women who want to have a second child return to work so they can continue to progress their own careers and contribute to Australia's economy. Our new measures in place will have three-quarters of subsidies going to families earning under $150,000. Our support is targeted and goes to those who need it most.

Child care is not just a vital sector of our economy, it is a vital sector for each and every family. That's why we've protected, that's why we're strengthening it, and that's why I'm proud to be a member of a government that is investing so well in the childcare sector for the good of all families of Australia.

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