2025-10-21
Greens spokesperson for Early Childhood Education and Care, Senator Steph Hodgins-May, has called Liberal Leader Sussan Ley’s comments rejecting universal childcare “out of touch” with the reality facing families and women across Australia.
Senator Hodgins-May is also urging Labor to treat high-quality, universal early childhood education and care as a priority, instead of more piecemeal policy changes that leave children, parents and educators to face the same problems.
Lines attributable to Greens Senator for Victoria, Steph Hodgins-May:
“The comments by the Leader of the Opposition yesterday show just how out of touch the Liberals are from the daily struggles of working families. Saying no to universal childcare is saying no to parents and kids who desperately need relief.
“Labor and the Liberals choose to cling onto the failing Morrison-era Child Care Subsidy that only fattens the pockets of corporate investors while locking families and children out of early learning.
“Both major parties have had decades to fix this. Instead, the Liberals are slamming the door on our children’s future while Labor continues to allow for-profit operators to price-gouge families and cut corners.
“A shift to a universal, low-cost, high-quality early learning system would be monumental for families, children and the economy.
“Universal childcare would free young parents, especially women, to go back into the workforce and allow them to contribute their full skills to our economy. It pays for itself many times over – more economic participation, better outcomes for children, and long-term gains.
“Ley’s comments should be a warning for Labor – stop using the Liberals as a moral litmus test and start acting towards bold, universal reform that families are desperate for.
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CONTACT:
HODGINS-MAY: Steven - 0418 843 41