Media release: CEW welcomes Federal Government pledges to universal childcare to unlock women's workforce participation

Chief Executive Women (CEW) has welcomed Federal Government commitments to a universal Early Childhood Education & Care (ECEC) system. 

The Prime Minister has today announced $1.5 billion investment in Australia’s childcare system, which CEW has long advocated for, including: 

• Universal access to three days per week of subsidised, high-quality ECEC 

• Abolishment of the Child Care Subsidy Activity Test 

• $1 billion investment in a Building Early Education Fund to provide more centres and address childcare deserts 

• Development of an Early Education Service Delivery Price to underpin future reform and daily price caps 

CEW president Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz said greater investment in our youngest generation would alleviate cost of living pressures for Australian families, while improving economic prosperity for all. 

"Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in reducing cost-of-living pressures on families and removing barriers to workforce participation for women and men. Universal access to high-quality, affordable early childhood education benefits everyone – children, parents, and the entire economy," she said. 

“Research by PwC has found every dollar invested in childcare delivers a twofold return by improving outcomes for Australian children, boosting productivity, strengthening our workforce, and enhancing national prosperity. Deloitte has reported that increasing women’s working hours by just two per cent would add $11 billion to Australia’s GDP. 

“We welcome these commitments and encourage bipartisan support to maintain momentum and deliver on these reforms swiftly. The time for universal childcare is now." 

These reforms were informed by the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care report, including the recommendation for universal access to 30 hours of high-quality ECEC per week by 2036 and the removal of the activity test, which CEW has long supported. CEW’s submission to the report is available here.

ENDS 

CEW Media Contact:  

Jesse McCarthy-Price 
jesse@cew.org.au 
0429 160 550