2918 FAMILIES IN BLAIR TO BE WORSE OFF UNDER TURNBULL'S CHILD CARE PACKAGE

19 June 2023

As families start back to work and school, 2,918 families in Ipswich and the Somerset Region have learned they will lose vital support as a result of Turnbull’s changes to the child care system.

Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, accused the out-of-touch Turnbull Government of targeting families in the lowest income bracket.

“Families who have a single income of less than $65,710 will have their access to early education cut from 24 hours to only 12 hours per week,”

“Families on a single income over $65,710 will see their guaranteed access to 24 hours of subsidised care reduced to zero.”

A secret Government document from the Department of Education received by the Labor Opposition through Freedom of Information has shown that almost 3000 families in Ipswich and the Somerset Region will be left wondering how their household will be able to afford the cost of child care from 2 July.

“Turnbull and Minister Birmingham need to be honest with these families so they can start planning now,”

“2918 families in Ipswich and the Somerset Region risk a shock in July when their support is ripped away without warning.” Mr Neumann said

This new slug on families is on top of the 18 per cent growth in fees since the election of the Liberal Government – meaning families in Ipswich and the Somerset Region are paying on average over $2,000 more for child care per year.

“This is an unfair package from an out of touch government – the secret numbers confirm it.”

“Labor has a proud record in early education and child care reform, including reducing the financial burden of child care on families through increases to the child care rebate from 30 to 50 per cent of out of pocket costs”

“We increased the child care subsidy to $7,500 and investing $970 million to create universal access to preschool for 4 year olds in partnership with the States and Territories.” Mr Neumann said