Childcare centres to open at no charge

GOLD Coast families have been given a break amid the coronavirus pandemic after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced childcare will be made free for working parents.

The Federal Government will now pay half of the operating costs of childcare and early learning centres across the country as part of a $2.6 billion package.

Amaze Education owner Lucy Cook, who runs three Gold Coast centres and 11 in total, said it was a relief for the city’s businesses and families with small children.

“Centres are closing down, we couldn’t sustain our workers, families needed support,” she said. “It’s very stressful because we’re all going to come through this and we’re all going to need those services on the other side.

“So prior to this announcement some (childcare centres) would not survive this, and the last thing we want when we’re all trying to get back to work is a childcare shortage.”

The operating costs will be decided based on attendance levels in February, but each centre must remain open and not charge families to qualify for the cash.

Australian Childcare Alliance general manager Brent Stokes said it was the solution centres across the country had been hoping for.

“It’s a significant solution for families, for educators and providers who’ve been struggling to keep their doors open.

Mr Morrison said the policy would be in place for at least three months.

“These services are vital for so many parents so they can provide for their family, and children need as much familiarity and continuity as we can help provide at this unsettling time,” he said.

“Priority will be given to working parents, vulnerable and disadvantaged children that need early education more than ever and parents with pre-existing enrolments.”