Childcare worker shortage could get worse with extra subsidies, union says

There are fears an expected surge in demand for childcare places could exacerbate a worker shortage in the sector under changes proposed in the federal budget.It's expected to add to an already surging demand in regional areasThe federal government is set to top up money for childcare subsidies by $1.7 billion with the goal of reducing costs for low- to middle-income households.

"There's already an enormous shortage of qualified early educators," said Helen Gibbons, the union's executive director of early education.Ms Gibbons said a survey of the workforce before the pandemic revealed 45 per cent of workers in regional areas intended to leave the sector, with low pay the main factor.It's estimated almost half of regional childcare workers are considering leaving the sector.

"They're doing that without valuing child care or early childhood as a vital part of life," she said.Gunnedah's Rebecca Ryan wants to see child care valued for its educational benefits.Childcare subsidies are currently capped at $10,560, beyond which households with an income of more than $189,390 pay the full rate in childcare fees.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he wanted parents who chose to return to work, or lift their hours, to have that option.

Home day care is a better choice for the very young than a for profit child minding sector and should be supported more heavily

As with all r workers & professionals successive conservative govts over the past 20yrs have been stripping civil services such as education 2 pay 4 extravagant military equipment Now we have no training facilities or trained staff. There’s no point defending a dysfunctional slum

What a pity we don’t have any unemployment

Try paying more - suddenly you have more and better candidates. That's the argument trotted out for paying massive executive salaries. Funny how it disappears for everyone else...🙄

We’re paid sht for hard and incredibly responsible work ....unappreciated n

Pay them properly

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