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Robert Breunig

Four inconvenient truths about universal childcare

Focusing on the disadvantaged and on the components of the system that actually require improvement would cost far less and generate greater benefits

Robert BreunigTax expert

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Vague plans emanating from government and elsewhere, to move childcare towards a “universal” (or “flat fee”) system are cause for concern. Such plans will do little to improve outcomes for children or increase women’s work hours. And it would come at a substantial cost.

The Albanese government wants improved childcare policy to be among its “legacies”. Aspects of its recent childcare policy announcement will improve childcare:

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Robert Breunig is director of the Tax and Transfer Policy Institute at the Australian National University.

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    Original URL: https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/four-inconvenient-truths-about-universal-childcare-20241217-p5kz4l