Childcare

Labor is working towards universally accessible and affordable childcare

As a mother of four and a grandmother to three, I know how hard it is for working families to balance their careers with exorbitantly expensive childcare fees. Labor knows childcare is not welfare.

Every parent should have access to affordable, high-quality childcare—because when families thrive, our whole community thrives. That’s why Labor is making early childhood education cheaper, expanding access, and ensuring early educators get the respect and pay they deserve.

For too long, the cost of childcare has put enormous pressure on families. Under the Liberals, fees skyrocketed by nearly 50%, forcing too many parents—especially women—to choose between their career and their family’s budget.

Labor is fixing this broken system and making sure childcare is affordable, accessible, and fair.

A Stronger Future for Families

Childcare isn’t just a cost of living issue—it’s an investment in our kids, our workforce, and our economy. Every dollar we put into early childhood education pays off for years to come.

That’s why I’ll always fight for a fairer childcare system that supports working parents, values early educators, and gives every child the best possible start in life.

What have we done

Made child care cheaper for 96% of families
Lift the maximum child care Subsidy rate to 90% for families
Invested $4.7 Billion over 4 years from the 2022-23 federal budget providing cheaper childcare for 96% of Australian families, now we’re investing an additional $98.6 million to strengthen the payment and accuracy of the Childcare Subsidy program.
Recognised early childhood educators are the backbone of our society and provided $30 million to ensure they’re paid fairly with a 15% pay rise over 2 years.
Invested $98.4 million to help childcare services increase their capacity to provide tailored support to children with additional needs.
Opened up more than 860 early education centers, caring for up to 68,000 more children and 30,000 more early childhood workers.

What we will do

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver universal childcare for all Australians. With a $1 billion investment in the Building Early Education Fund, we will guarantee 3 days a week of subsidised early education a week with 160 new centers, lower fees for families, better training and wages for care workers and more places for children.

Why This Matters

✔️ More parents—especially mums—can get back to work
✔️ Kids get the best start in life with quality early learning
✔️ Families keep more of their hard-earned money

Labor believes in universal, high-quality early education—not just for those who can afford it, but for every family in Australia.

A Stronger Future for Families

That’s why I’ll always fight for a fairer childcare system that supports working parents, values early educators, and gives every child the best possible start in life.