DCA’s response to the ACCC Interim Report builds on our submission in response to the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care. We support the recommendations made by the ACCC and urge the government to restate its key objectives and priorities to include ensuring affordable, available, flexible, high-quality and accessible universal childcare.
We highlight the importance and urgency of considering access for First Nations people, families in remote locations, those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and households with complex needs and those living with a disability. DCA supports the removal of the Activity Test and other measures to remove complexity and confusion for applicants.
DCA strongly supports the recommendation to increase support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations providing childcare and reiterates a call to reimagine the childcare funding model in Australia by providing direct government funding of Early Childhood Education and Care.