Working families are under pressure like never before, working longer just to make ends meet. On top of high petrol prices, mortgage repayments and the cost of groceries, the cost of child care has spiralled, adding to the financial pressure families are under.
Child care costs in Australia have doubled in the last 11 years, increasing by more than 12% a year for the last five years.
In January this year, figures issued by the Productivity Commission revealed that the ACT was ranked among the most expensive places in Australia for child care. The average cost for full-time long day care in Canberra is $233 per week, that is $32 more expensive than the national average.
And Mr Howard’s response is that Australians have never been better off!
Federal Labor understands that one of the best things you can do to help working families is to address the real costs of child care. That’s why Labor has a plan to invest $1.5 billion make child care more affordable.
Labor’s Affordable Child Care Plan will increase the Child Care Tax Rebate from 30 per cent to 50 per cent, meaning that half of a family’s total out of pocket child care costs will be met every year. The rebate will also be paid every three months, instead of once a year, helping working families to keep on top of cost of living expenses.
“Labor’s Affordable Child Care Plan will make child care more affordable for working families – slashing costs with a 50% tax rebate”, Senator Lundy said today.
“In my Canberra Community Survey conducted in July this year, I received feedback from some residents saying that they spend up to a third of their household incomes on child care costs”, Senator Lundy continued.
“Federal Labor’s Affordable Child Care Plan offers a real solution for local families battling with increasing financial pressures. This plan will work with Labor’s other child care policies to improve the system and slash costs”, Senator Lundy concluded.
Federal Labor offers a clear choice on child care. Labor’s plan is to make affordable child care a national priority for the future. John Howard has had 11 years fix the child care crisis and has failed.
Contact: Rachel Allen – 6230 0411 or 0418 488 295
