Thrive by Five welcomes Federal Government’s announcement extending subsidised childcare for Indigenous children
26 September 2022 –Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five campaign has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement to increase subsidised childcare to 36 hours a fortnight for all Indigenous children, an increase of 12 hours.
Thrive by Five Director Jay Weatherill said that the increase in hours for Indigenous children is an important step in the right direction and brings us closer to providing universally accessible, free childcare across Australia.
“Increasing subsidised childcare hours for Indigenous children will help close the gap and create a more equitable childcare policy framework,” Mr Weatherill said.
“This is a much welcomed first step in ensuring that every child across Australia is able to access the benefits of high-quality early learning before they start school.
“Along with these reforms, the Federal Government should also give serious consideration to removing the activity test entirely.
“By removing the activity test, we can ensure that all children, and particularly First Nations children, have equitable access to essential care and learning.”
Thrive by Five is also calling for the Federal Government to restore funding for Indigenous-led child and family centres across Australia.
