Social Services Minister and Cook MP Scott Morrison visited Bexley North childcare centre Kinderoos on Friday to promote the release of the final report of the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into childcare and early learning.
Mr Morrison said the report would provide ‘‘key input’’ to the new families package that the government is preparing.
Fairfax Media said the 1000-page report said the current system, which featured multiple childcare payments, should be combined into a single subsidy. The subsidy rate would cover between 85 per cent of costs for families with incomes at or below $60,000 and 20 per cent for families earning $250,000 or above.
This is stricter than the draft proposal, which suggested a 90 per cent subsidy for low incomes and a 30 per cent subsidy for those above $300,000.
Under the current system, parents can qualify for a means-tested benefit and, or a non-means tested rebate.
The new payment would provide up to 100 hours of care a fortnight for children 13 years and under who have parents that work or study at least 24 hours a fortnight, using a ‘‘benchmark price’’ based on the median fees charged for a type of childcare service and the age of the child.
Families would be exempt from the work hours requirement if they are receiving an income support payment, the primary carer is a grandparent or a child is assessed to be ‘‘at risk’’ of neglect or harm.
Mr Morrison said the government would listen to community feedback and consult further with the childcare sector, other stakeholders and the opposition.
‘‘We will work to build a consensus,’’ he said.
View the report at: www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/childcare
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