That ICPA (Aust) advocate to the Australian Federal Government and the Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education for the development and implementation of a new fit-for purpose childcare model, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of families living in regional, rural and remote Australia.
Families living in regional, rural and remote Australia face significant barriers in accessing equitable childcare services. The current In Home Care (IHC) program does not meet the needs of many geographically isolated families due to workforce shortages, inflexible eligibility requirements, administrative complexity, and the inability to provide reliable service delivery in remote areas. The only WA based in home care provider have also ceased operation in the last 12 months, leaving us with no state based provider that understands the needs of remote childcare within our state.
For many isolated families, access to childcare is essential to enable:
• participation in employment and primary production businesses;
• attendance at medical appointments and essential travel; • access to education and training opportunities;
• support for children’s early learning and social development; and
• family wellbeing and mental health.
Unlike metropolitan families, many rural and remote families have no access to centre-based childcare, family day care, or casual care alternatives. Existing models fail to recognise the realities of distance, seasonal work demands, workforce availability, and the unique operational requirements of remote Australia.
A replacement childcare program must:
• be specifically designed for regional, rural and remote families provide flexible and reliable childcare options;
• support the recruitment and retention of carers in isolated areas;
• reduce administrative burden on families and providers;
• ensure affordability and equitable access; and
• recognise childcare as an essential service for remote Australian families.
ICPA Midwest branch believes all Australian children deserve equitable access to quality early childhood support and care, regardless of where they live.
