Labor plans childcare boost with grants for new centres

Labor has revealed its new policy would help extend out of hours school care in 10 locations across the state, and bring new centres to areas in most need. DETAILS >>

Labor leader Rebecca White at Ocean View Child Care Centre in Blackmans Bay on Monday, July 10, 2023.

A Labor government would provide funding to help childcare centres become established in areas of greatest need.

Labor leader Rebecca White and shadow minister for education and early years John Willie unveiled the policy during a visit to Ocean View Child Care Centre in Blackmans Bay on Monday.

If elected, Labor would provide 10 grants of up to $90,000 to expand after school care at 10 schools around the state.

“We know that providing after-school-hours care for our children is not only great for them, but it’s great for parents, there’s an opportunity for us to expand the services to 10 more schools across Tasmania, which will not only assist families who are remaining in the workforce or entering training to be able to balance those things,” Ms White said.

Labor's Josh Willie and Rebecca White speak to the media at Ocean View Child Care Centre in Blackman's Bay on Monday, July 10, 2023.

“It’s also great for these children to be able to continue to engage in learning on the school site and just play with their friends.”

Mr Willie said the money would be used to help upgrade suitable sites and purchase equipment.

“I know that parents whether they’re in Flinders Island, Wesley Vale, Riverside or even in my own electorate in Lenah Valley are asking for better outside hours care for their kids so that they can participate in the workforce,” he said.

“We know this government hasn’t done enough after 10 years in power to establish new services.

“We know that some providers are reluctant to go into new areas because they lose control; the school ultimately has control of the facility.

“They may invest significantly to upgrade a classroom for after school care and they may lose that in subsequent years because the school needs it — so this takes the risk out for providers.”

Labor leader Rebecca White at Ocean View Child Care Centre in Blackmans Bay on Monday, July 10, 2023.

CEO of child care provider Adventure Patch Tim Short said the policy would help expand the options for parents.

“I think a policy like this really does open up options for an organisation like ours,” he said.

“We’re a community based organisation so we’re really interested in supporting communities. The need for out of school hours care is more acute than it has ever been.”

He said an establishment grant would be very useful in helping to defray the start-up costs for new centres.

“Often we have to go into buildings that may or may not have been used for a while. And so money can really go through important upgrades like kitchen facilities, play equipment, all abilities access, things like that, it’s really important.