2025-02-06
Greens early childhood education spokesperson Senator Steph Hodgins-May has slammed the Labor and Liberal parties for teaming up to defer the childcare subsidy activity test reform bill, which will now go to an inquiry that reports next month.
The Greens say this delay tactic is a complete betrayal to families and children across Australia.
Just this week, Labor backpedalled on promises for new nature laws and a gambling ad ban.
Now they're ditching their commitment to universal early childhood education by delaying reforms to the childcare subsidy activity test.
Quotes attributable to Australian Greens early childhood education spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:
“The Greens were ready to work with Labor and get this bill passed this sitting fortnight, which may be the last chance before an election is called.
“Instead, Labor supported the Liberals in pushing this bill off to a Senate inquiry that won’t be finished until late March, effectively ruining its chances before the election.
“We don’t need an inquiry. We already have clear evidence that the childcare subsidy activity test needs reform from the Productivity Commission, multiple expert reports and from children's and family advocates.
“We want to see relief for parents and families delivered before the election, and we want to see vulnerable kids able to access early childhood education. Only days ago we heard that Labor did too, but they have backflipped in a betrayal of children and families across the country.
“The childcare subsidy activity test is a Morrison-era relic that unfairly punishes families from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. The Greens want to see its abolition entirely but we were prepared to support the Government’s first step, scrapping it for three days per week. We know this reform is too important to be left to a potential Coalition government.
“While parents continue to struggle in a cost of living crisis, Labor and the Coalition simply don’t have the courage to take real action.
“The Greens won’t give up on universal, free early childhood education and care. With the Greens in the balance of power, we’ll fight to keep Dutton out of government and push Labor to get it done."