Australian childcare services have been made free during the COVID-19 crisis under a plan announced by the Australian Government last week. Around one million Australian families will benefit from the plan.
Under the plan, the Government will make payments directly to early childhood education and care services in lieu of the Child Care Subsidy and the Additional Child Care Subsidy, to help them keep their doors open and employees in their jobs.
The funding has started to apply from 6 April (Monday) based on the number of children who were in care during the fortnight leading into 2 March, whether or not they are attending services. The scheme will run for three months until 28 June 2020.
The sector is expected to receive $1.6 billion under the scheme, compared to an estimated $1.3 billion if current revenues and subsidies had continued based on the existing system and the significant reduction of enrolments the sector has seen.
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