Greens slam major parties for delaying childcare reforms in Senate
Greens slam major parties for delaying childcare reforms in Senate | Australian Greens Skip to main content Search Get Involved Join Donate Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Get Involved Join Donate Search Our plan Toggle Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Toggle Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Toggle Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement Toggle About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Greens slam major parties for delaying childcare reforms in Senate 2025-02-06 Greens early childhood education spokesperson Senator Steph Hodgins-May has slammed the Labor and Liberal parties for teaming up to defer the childcare subsidy activity test reform bill, which will now go to an inquiry that reports next month.
The Greens say this delay tactic is a complete betrayal to families and children across Australia. Just this week, Labor backpedalled on promises for new nature laws and a gambling ad ban. Now they're ditching their commitment to universal early childhood education by delaying reforms to the childcare subsidy activity test.
Quotes attributable to Australian Greens early childhood education spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May: “The Greens were ready to work with Labor and get this bill passed this sitting fortnight, which may be the last chance before an election is called. “Instead, Labor supported the Liberals in pushing this bill off to a Senate inquiry that won’t be finished until late March, effectively ruining its chances before the election.
“We don’t need an inquiry. We already have clear evidence that the childcare subsidy activity test needs reform from the Productivity Commission, multiple expert reports and from children's and family advocates. “We want to see relief for parents and families delivered before the election, and we want to see vulnerable kids able to access early childhood education.
Only days ago we heard that Labor did too, but they have backflipped in a betrayal of children and families across the country. “The childcare subsidy activity test is a Morrison-era relic that unfairly punishes families from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. The Greens want to see its abolition entirely but we were prepared to support the Government’s first step, scrapping it for three days per week.
We know this reform is too important to be left to a potential Coalition government. “While parents continue to struggle in a cost of living crisis, Labor and the Coalition simply don’t have the courage to take real action. “The Greens won’t give up on universal, free early childhood education and care.
With the Greens in the balance of power, we’ll fight to keep Dutton out of government and push Labor to get it done." Facebook for the Australian Greens YouTube for the Australian Greens X for the Australian Greens Instagram for the Australian Greens Bluesky for the Australian Greens Privacy Members website Your safety Contact us Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action In your language 2025 policy platform Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Federal portfolios Federal media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Upcoming events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Green Magazine All news Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Members website State/territory parties Contact us The Greens acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
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