Free childcare for the poorest families would cost $5b a year

The Productivity Commission says free childcare for low-income families would come at a cost, but it will improve kids’ school readiness and help parents get jobs.

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Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Education Minister Jason Clare will weigh up a $5.4 billion-a-year increase in spending on childcare subsidies to meet a Productivity Commission recommendation that the poorest Australian children get free childcare three days a week.

In a landmark report released on Wednesday, the commission said families earning less than $80,000 a year, and up to $140,000 for those sending multiple children, should be provided access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) at least three days a week, 48 weeks of the year. Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Introducing your Newsfeed Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.



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