Media release
YWCA Canberra welcomes the Labor Party’s pledge to scrap the activity test for childcare subsidies and introduce a guarantee of three days of affordable, high-quality early education and care for families earning up to $530,000 annually if re-elected. This proposed policy strongly aligns with YWCA Canberra’s commitment to making early education accessible to all, particularly for vulnerable children and families in Canberra.
As the leading provider of affordable early learning centre’s in the Canberra region, YWCA Canberra recognises the transformative impact of universal access to early education. Since the 1970s, YWCA Canberra has been providing early education and care services to support increasing womens participation in the workforce. While the challenges of achieving gender equality in the workplace are well-documented, access to high-quality early education and care is a crucial addition to universal education for all children to have the best start in life.
“Subsidised access to early education and care is a right for every child, not a privilege,” said Frances Crimmins, YWCA Canberra CEO.
“This policy will help address systemic barriers that prevent many families from accessing early learning education and care, particularly those who need it most. By guaranteeing three days of subsidised care, we can ensure every child has an equitable start in life.”
YWCA Canberra currently operates seven early learning centres in the ACT and surrounding regions. We are proud to provide above-award wages for staff at all levels within our early learning education and care services so as to recognise the professionalism of our educators and the quality of their work.
“We are proud to play our part in delivering affordable early education and care in our community,” added Frances Crimmins Crimmins. “The removal of the activity test from 2026 will ensure that all families, regardless of employment status and income, can access early education opportunities their children deserve.”
Access to quality early education and care for all children is a vital component of children’s development and wellbeing. In recognising this, YWCA Canberra calls on this to be a shared election commitment by all major parties.
For more information, please contact:
Eleanor Sander O’Hearn
Executive Director Communications Advocacy Engagement
Eleanor.sanderohearn@ywca-canberra.org.au
0475 240 101