Edwina Bartholomew: Childcare rebate changes are welcome but what about cold and flu tablets?

This week the government delivered on an election promise to introduce its childcare package to parliament. And while it’s a welcome move, Edwina Bartholomew still has a sick feeling.

Ask any parent of young kids what their biggest bugbear is and they’ll most likely chew your ear off about childcare fees.

Our daughter started childcare a year ago. It’s the most wonderful centre with kind teachers, plenty of painting and the obligatory pasta necklaces but the cost is crippling. Base fees sit at $160 a day.

If my child was in care for five days a week, it would set us back $800 before any rebate.

Across a year, that’s over $40,000 or the equivalent of sending a kid to a private boarding school.

Children at a childcare centre having fun.

This week the federal government delivered on an election promise by introducing its childcare package to parliament. There is not just further rebate relief ahead but also a proposed investigation into the exorbitant rise in fees.

Childcare costs have increased across by the board by 41 per cent in the past eight years. Could it be the rising cost of penne and playdough?

As a woman returning to work, you either have to rely on family members, fork out for childcare or just put your career on hold until school starts.

There are no refunds for non-attendance, not much flexibility with available places or allowances for sickness.

Dad David Doel nailed it on social media with this Instagram post. “Me: Here’s half my income. Daycare: Cool. Here is a new virus every other week”.

Picking up viruses and colds from kids in childcare is common for parents. Picture: iStock

As I sniffle my way through another week at work, you have to feel for the staff at the centre of all this. Caring for a few kids is pretty full-on; keeping 20 toddlers entertained is another level entirely.

As the government subsidy goes up from 2023, will staff be the ones to benefit or will private companies just pocket the difference? Ultimately, will fees just go up to take advantage of the discount?

Perhaps a rebate for cold and flu tablets for parents might be more economical.

I’ll keep my receipts from the chemist, just in case.

Originally published as Edwina Bartholomew: Childcare rebate changes are welcome but what about cold and flu tablets?