Recent reports from 9News detail a significant $40 million initiative by the government aimed at expanding childcare opportunities across Australia. The Start Strong program, launched in 2023, is set to support approximately 200,000 families by offering financial relief for childcare fees. Parents Geoffrey-Ross Perez and Taylor, who enrolled their daughter Autumn at Goodstart Early Learning Elara, benefited from this program, resulting in substantial savings. Perez expressed that the financial relief allowed them to allocate more resources for essential household expenses, significantly easing their living costs.
Education Minister Prue Car noted that eligible families could save roughly $4,347 annually for children aged three to five attending participating pre-schools, essentially equating to two free childcare days each week. For long daycare, this financial assistance amounts to reductions of $2,174 for four-year-olds, and $515 for three-year-olds. Kim Bertino, CEO of the children’s charity Big Fat Smile, emphasised the program’s importance during challenging financial times for many families.
Moreover, the government is extending a trial for eligible childcare providers, offering $500 per enrolled three-year-old to enhance educator salaries and resources, which will enable centres to hire more staff, ultimately increasing available places. This multi-faceted approach not only supports parents but also benefits childcare facilities across the country.