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When policy is child's play

Bill Shorten's childcare subsidies are designed to please an industry rather than use economic incentives to get women into work.

Aaron Patrick
Aaron PatrickSenior correspondent

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In an election that each week brings depressing news of political candidates withdrawing for racism, misogyny and general idiocy, it was heartening to see Bill Shorten's plan to give society's poorest women the practical means to leave their homes and work.

Unfortunately, Labor's plan to introduce wage subsidises and possibly regulate the commercial care of young children is so risky that even experts who have loudly argued for more childcare support are concerned.

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Aaron Patrick is the senior correspondent. He writes about politics and business from the Sydney newsroom. Email Aaron at apatrick@afr.com

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    Original URL: https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/when-policy-is-child-s-play-20190502-p51jj4