Occasional childcare funding in jeopardy

FUNDING for occasional childcare could be on the chopping block, in the latest stoush between the state and federal governments.

The Andrews Government is expected to go on the attack today over the future of the National Occasional Care Program — due to expire in July.

The program funds 143 flexible childcare providers in Victoria, including 51 Neighbourhood Houses.

It saw the Federal Government cover 55 per cent of the funding over the course of the agreement, while Victoria chipped in the rest.

But the State Government says its federal counterparts have failed to commit to continuing the program under new childcare reforms.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria acting chief executive Clare Corbet said occasional childcare was “relatively affordable” for families and opened up the chance for parents to work or study.

“We are concerned about the impact on Neighbourhood Houses — and they are the primary providers of occasional childcare in this state,” she said.

“The bottom line is that we want the services to remain viable for the communities that use them. They are essential services in many communities.”

Occasional childcare is the latest funding battle ground between the state and federal governments, which have previously traded blows on infrastructure and school spending.

State Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos said more than $800,000 a year in federal funding would be lost if the program was not renewed or covered elsewhere in the reforms.

“Neighbourhood Houses are a wonderful part of our communities — that’s why we continue to back them,” Ms Mikakos said.