Families losing out

HUNDREDS of thousands of Australian families risk missing out on new childcare subsidies if they fail to make the switch to the new system.

New government data has revealed about 673,000 families have already signed up to the system ahead of the July 2 deadline.

But the Turnbull Government has warned a further 489,000 families still need to update their details to receive the advantages.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the biggest improvement to childcare and early learning in 40 years was “just weeks away”.

“Families need to act now to take advantage of the extra financial help our reforms are set to deliver,” he said. “I understand how busy many families are, but little more than 10 minutes updating details online can deliver hundreds or thousands of dollars in extra childcare support.”

Under the $2.5 billion investment, more subsidies will be offered for families working the most and for the lowest earners.