The ABC’s Julie Doyle reports (3.6.16) on rising concern among parents and childcare groups that government isn’t doing enough to address the issue of childcare affordability. The report suggests that both major parties could face an electoral backlash over the ‘sleeper’ issue in marginal seats, including in Queensland.
‘An ABC analysis of Education Department figures shows the cost of child care is a big factor in the most marginal seats across the country.
‘Figures from last year show thousands of families receiving the childcare rebate in the most closely fought electorates in New South Wales and Queensland.
‘The electorate of Petrie is held by the Coalition’s Luke Howarth with a margin of 0.5 per cent. A breakdown of Education Department figures shows the seat has 6,080 families receiving the childcare rebate.’
- Election 2016: Child care a big issue in New South Wales, Queensland marginal seats »
- Election 2016: Parents can’t wait anymore: Childcare groups unite to urge urgent action »
- Labor targets low and middle-income earners for more childcare support »
- Labor would boost childcare rebate cap to $10,000 »
- PolicyCheck: Labor’s $3 billion child care plan »
- High-quality, affordable education at the heart of Labor’s new early years policy »
- The f-word enters the campaign and trips up both major parties »