The New South Wales Government promises to reduce child care costs and boost places, spending $5 billion in the industry over the next ten years. Treasurer Matt Kean is branding today’s announcement a “landmark investment” that will save families thousands and boost women’s workforce participation.
The Government has locked in the $775m commitment for the next four years. The funding was included in next week’s State Budget, following recommendations from the Government’s review of women’s economic opportunities.
National research released earlier this year from Victoria University found significant shortages of childcare places in parts of south-west and western Sydney and regional and remote areas. The Government is also allocating $281 million to boost its childcare workforce. Scholarships worth $25,000 to study child care in college will be offered, and $2000 in vocational training.