Families in the Bendigo electorate will be able to access three days a week of subsidised early childhood education for children who need it from January 2026.

The Liberal’s unfair Activity Test was designed increased workforce participation, however the Australian Institute of Family Studies found no evidence that the introduction of the Activity Test caused any increase in workforce participation.

Implementing the 3 Day Guarantee and abolishing the current Activity Test is an important step towards a universal early childhood education and care system.

This change will also give families options and encourage parents to keep their children in early childhood education regardless of their employment status of their parents.

The 3 Day Guarantee will provide cost-of-living relief to families and help ensure that children can access the benefits of high-quality early education and care.

Only the Federal Labor Government has a plan to deliver a universal early childhood education system that works for Australian families and ensure children get the best possible start in life.


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP:

“The Liberal’s Activity Test was unfair, did not increase workforce participation, and instead stopped children across the Bendigo electorate from accessing early learning.

“Labor’s 3 Day Guarantee will give families access to 3 days of subsidised early childhood education and care per week, regardless of their activity levels.

“By investing in early childhood education and care, our government is making sure our kids have all the building blocks to succeed later in life.”