Paying the childcare rebate to families fortnightly instead of quarterly will help parents pay for childcare and complement the incoming childcare quality reform agenda, said Early Childhood Australia today.

ECA, the peak organisation representing children and childcare services, welcomed the announcement and called on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to stay strong on the National Quality Framework.

ECA chief executive officer Pam Cahir said the quality reforms agreed to by COAG were vital to improving the quality of childcare in the long term in Australia, and that plans by the Opposition to review them were concerning.

"Last year COAG agreed to implement quality reforms, because that is what we know is best for children who are in early childhood education and care services."

"Improving staff-to-child ratios and increasing the qualifications of staff will go a long way to improving outcomes for children and their families who rely on childcare, and creating a consistent standard of childcare across the country."

"The Opposition’s plans to review and possibly role back the reforms would be a huge concern to many childcare operators, families and staff who know how important these reforms are," Ms Cahir said.

Ms Cahir said more needed to be done to ensure the reforms would not adversely affect families.

"We would like to see the Government do more to help existing staff in childcare services to improve their qualifications.

"Qualified staff are the key to achieving the goals of the National Quality Framework, and we need to ensure they are supported in their efforts to get the best qualifications they can."

For comment please contact:
Pam Cahir – 0407 008 524
Claire Johnston – 0434 489 533