The 3 Day Guarantee replaces the former LNP Government’s punitive Activity Test, where children who needed early learning the most were blocked from the system because of their parents’ work or study activity.
Under the new 3 Day Guarantee, every child who needs it, is eligible for three days of subsidised early learning each week, no matter what their parents do.
In addition, the reforms will benefit First Nations families, who will be eligible for five days a week of subsidised early learning.
The Albanese Government is investing around $430 million over four years to deliver the 3 Day Guarantee, as well as $1 billion through the Building Early Education Fund to build or expand early learning services in areas of need, including in outer suburban and regional areas like Blair.
Alongside a 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators, this is the next step in the Government’s plan to create a quality universal early childhood education and care system.
For more information, visit education.gov.au or call the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Helpdesk on 1300 667 276.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said 3 Day Guarantee was a game-changer for working families in his community.
“Labor’s cheaper child care policy has already helped around 9,000 families in Blair and this latest reform builds on that, and will make the system fairer.
“Under these changes, I would expect up to 1,000 more families will be eligible for three days of subsidised early learning.
“I’m so proud that more local children and families will be able to access the benefits of quality early learning with the introduction of the Albanese Labor Government’s 3 Day Guarantee.”
On top of this, from this month, the Government is rolling out a range of cost of living measures to support local families, including:
• Cheaper medicines, with medicines on the PBS now costing no more than $25, the lowest price since 2004.
• Free health advice through 1800MEDICARE, providing 24/7 advice and referrals by registered nurses and GPs.
• A new free digital mental health service, Medicare Mental Health Check-In, providing access to free mental health support without needing a GP referral or worrying about gap fees.
• A cash acceptance mandate, to ensure that Australians can pay cash in most fuel and grocery retailers for purchases below $500.
• The next round of indexation for a range of social security payments, including increases to Youth Allowance, Austudy, and ABSTUDY, and to payments that support vulnerable Australians and their carers, including the Youth Disability Support Pension and Carer Allowance.
Mr Neumann said the 3 Day Guarantee was good for families and good for children, and one of several cost-of-living initiatives coming into effect in 2026.
“Whether it's cheaper childcare, cheaper medicines, or increased payments for students and carers, we are delivering more help and more choice for those who need it most from the start of 2026.
“We promised people in Blair we would deliver on the commitments we took to the election, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
