From July, families right across Australia will be able to benefit from real cost-of-living relief thanks to the Albanese Government’s Cheaper Child Care policy.

For a family on about $120,000 with a child in care three days a week, the changes will cut costs by about $1,700 a year.

The Child Care Subsidy rates will lift to 90 per cent for families on a combined income of $80,000 or less.

The higher subsidy for families with a second and subsequent child aged five or under in care will be retained.

The number of hours of subsidised care Aboriginal and Torres Strait children are eligible for will also rise to a minimum of 36 hours a fortnight from July, benefiting around 5,000 families and encouraging more to use care.

Families can now calculate their Child Care Subsidy by visiting www.childcaresubsidy.gov.au

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS

“This is real cost-of-living relief to the household budgets for families struggling with the rising cost of living, while also improving the economic security of women.

“I know from talking to families in the Bendigo electorate, and from my own experience with two children under 5, how expensive child care is. Over the last 8 years, child care costs increased by 41%. This expense has become a significant burden to many Australians struggling to make ends meet.

“More affordable early childhood education and care means more children can access the transformational health and education benefits of foundation years learning no matter their postcode or background.”