The Productivity Commission's draft report into the childcare sector shows encouraging signs but more detail is needed to guarantee the best possible outcome for all Australian families, the Australian Greens have said.
"This report is a step in the right direction, but it has clearly shown that a funding boost is essential if the childcare sector is going to meet the needs of Australian families," the Greens' childcare spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
"The Abbott Government's stubborn refusal to increase the level of funding to the childcare sector means serious reform is still a long way off.
"Investing in early education and care is the best way to guarantee good development outcomes.
"The Greens understand that a single, means tested payment paid directly to the childcare centres will make things easier for Australian families.
"High quality education and care is essential for the healthy development of our kids and must be central to any reforms. Vulnerable and at risk Australian families must be guaranteed access to that same high quality of care.
"Australian mums and dads have been calling out for meaningful childcare reform over decades. It's now up to the Abbott Government to listen to the people and make affordable, flexible, high quality childcare a reality for all Australian families."
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