Improved access to child care and early childhood services

Portfolio: Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Why is this important?

This builds on the Government's plan for Indigenous children by expanding the number of quality services in regional and remote areas.
Access to child care and early childhood services improves 'school-readiness' and ensures children get the best possible start in life. This is particularly important for Indigenous children who experience poorer life outcomes than non-Indigenous children. Indigenous early childhood development is one of three priority areas identified by the Ministerial Taskforce on Indigenous Affairs.
The Australian Government will create 20 new Innovative Child Care Service Hubs in regional and remote communities with high Indigenous populations. The new Innovative Child Care Service Hubs will provide not only child care but also additional services for families and children aged 0-5 at one location.

Who will benefit?

The new Child Care Hubs will provide access to child care for 700 additional children in regional and remote communities. Support for existing services will improve the quality of care provided to approximately 840 children and enable their families to claim Child Care Benefit.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

What have we done in the past?

The Government supports Indigenous families with access to child care and a range of children's services. These include Multifunctional Aboriginal Children's Services, JET Creches, mobile services and Indigenous playgroups. The Government's $490 million Stronger Families and Communities Strategy and the Indigenous Children's Programme deliver programmes aimed at improving children's outcomes by better access to services.

When will the initiative conclude?