Madeleine King promises more affordable child care under a federal Labor government

Childcare fees have increased almost 10 per cent in the past year in Perth, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows. The ABS’ latest Consumer Price Index shows childcare fees increased 8.6 per cent in Perth despite CPI inflation remaining at just 3.5 per cent. Brand MP Madeleine King has hit out at the skyrocketing prices for childcare services in Perth, saying the “jacked up” prices of child care are causing Rockingham and Kwinana families significant financial strain. “Australians pay some of the highest childcare costs in the world. Under the Liberals, fees have gone up more than 35 per cent,” Ms King said. She said a Federal Labor government would deliver a long-term plan for cheaper child care. The current maximum childcare subsidy rate is 85 per cent for families earning less than $70,015. Ms King said a Federal Labor government would raise that maximum rate to 90 per cent as well as scrap the annual $10,560 childcare subsidy cap for family incomes between $189,390 and $353,680. “This will mean more money in families’ pockets, boosting local economic activity,” Ms King said. “Most importantly, young children across Brand will have access to early education which will set them up for life.” A spokesperson for Acting Education Minister Stuart Robert said some families would soon be eligible for a 95 per cent subsidy. “From 7 March 2022, for families with a second and subsequent children aged five or under, the CCS (child care subsidy) received by families will increase by 30 percentage points, up to a maximum 95 per cent,” the spokesperson said. “The annual cap of $10,655 for families earning over $190,015 (2021-22 terms) was also removed for all families from 10 December 2021.” The spokesperson said the new measures would benefit about 250,000 families each year and reduce out-of-pocket costs by up to $370 a week for families with three children in care..