ELACCA welcomes the Australian Government’s support for families

Media release

11 October 2021

The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) welcomes the Australian Government’s decision to bring forward its additional investment in early learning and care.

The Government yesterday announced it would increase the maximum Child Care Subsidy rate for families with more than one child under five years of age in early learning and care services, from 7 March 2022. The Government will also abolish the annual fee cap on 10 December 2021.

‘We welcomed these measures when they were announced in the May Budget, and we’re even more pleased now that they will take effect months sooner than planned,’ said ELACCA CEO Elizabeth Death.

‘The cost of high-quality early learning and care is shared between families and the Government. Policies that reduce the cost borne by families are a great investment in the future. They make it easier for children to access services that support their wellbeing, learning and build their all-important social and emotional skills.

‘These policies also support parents to increase their workforce participation,’ Ms Death said.

‘We congratulate Minister Tudge and Minister Hume on expediting this investment, for the benefit of children, families and the wider community.’