The Wire

In the lead up to the Federal Election, politicians have taken up photo opportunities in a handful of more than 7000 childcare services around the country. But for parents and those working in the industry, it’s not all smiles. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates a 32% leap in childcare costs over the past two years – more than six times the rate of inflation and around six times the rate of increase in Government childcare benefits. But higher costs for parents aren’t translating into higher wages for those employed in the industry. In some states adult child care workers receive the minimum wage of $11.80, and many of them have left the industry. This has lead to fears of a shortage in trained staff and that safety and quality will be compromised. The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and childcare unions; Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous workers union (LHMU) and Australian Services Union (ASU) have launched a national Phone-In to highlight what they call “Australia’s childcare crisis”. For the month of September those using and working in the industry are urged to call up and contribute any issues they may have with childcare. The results of the phone-in will be put to the Government and opposition for review. Early Childhood Australia is the national peak non-government organization, acting in the interests of young children aged 0-8 years of age. Alma Mistry spoke to their National President, Judy Radich who says one of the serious problems with the industry is the fact that childcare workers are undervalued. While Don McLean from the Australian Services Union says the government should be subsidising childcare to help parents meet the rising costs.

Early Childhood Australia
Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)