MEDIA RELEASE Sunday 10 June 2012

Childcare funding must focus on those most in need

Any changes to the funding of childcare should focus on benefiting low and middle income families and on improving the wages and conditions of the people who work in these services according to Early Childhood Australia, the peak body representing children.

ECA Chief Executive Officer Pam Cahir said she welcomed debate about how best to support families paying for early childhood education and care but said that this discussion should acknowledge the significant Commonwealth investment of more that $20 billion that is already being made in early education and care services.

"Currently all families are entitled to half of their out of pocket expenses up to $7500 per annum. This is already very generous for families on high incomes. In addition many middle and lower income families also receive income related fee support.

"Funding changes must be geared towards supporting those families that need it the most and paying appropriate wages to the staff who work in these services."

For more information contact:

Pam Cahir, 0407 008 524

Laura Maclean, 0423 377 567