Childcare is vital for families, our economy and society as a whole, but too many parents are struggling to secure childcare places or afford the child care they need. This is forcing parents - especially women - out of the workforce and placing enormous stress on families in our communities.
My priorities will include:
- Reducing costs: Pushing for more affordable childcare through increased subsidies for families and targeted support for lower-income households.
- Expanding childcare places: Advocating for funding to increase the number of childcare centres and places in our region where demand far outweighs supply.
- Workforce growth: Addressing the staffing shortage by providing better pay, conditions, and incentives to attract and retain early childhood educators.
- Flexible options for families: Supporting initiatives such as family day care and out-of-hours programs to provide parents more options that suit their work arrangements.