The childcare desert sucking the life out of Australia’s regional towns
One in three Australians live in an area where there is just one childcare spot for every three or more children, study finds
June 2024
Australia’s ‘broken’ childcare system blamed for cost-of-working crisis. What needs to change?
With Labor’s more generous subsidies largely eroded by rising fees, many are now pushing for major reform
May 2024
From gen Z to boomers: what the 2024 budget means for your generation
Australian federal budget 2024: what we know so far and what to expect
April 2024
Full Story
How ‘childcare deserts’ are holding Australia back – Full Story podcast
Guardian Australia columnist Gabrielle Chan tells Nour Haydar about the ongoing challenges of parenting in regional Australia and why more towns need access to childcare services
Childcare workers to get wage boost in budget as Australia battles staff shortages
Exclusive: Move is intended to prevent workers from leaving for other sectors, including aged care, where wages were recently increased
The rural network, Victoria
Regional Australia needs health workers and teachers – but it has to have childcare first
Gabrielle Chan
Almost half the population live in a ‘childcare desert’ while employers are crying out for workers – it’s time to connect the dots
February 2024
Daycare apps allow you to track your child like an NBA player. I want to opt out – but I can’t
James Colley
Do we really need real-time updates on our kids at daycare and stat-tracking packages like they’re a draft prospect for the upcoming season? Alas, I Accept
January 2024
The ACCC report on affordable childcare is out. What does it say and what still needs to be done?
Labor’s subsidy increases have worked to help families better afford childcare, according to the consumer watchdog’s report – but only for now
December 2023
Photo restrictions for Australian childcare workers recommended by safety report
Strict controls on who can access and take pictures of children one of 16 recommendations made by review
November 2023
'It's rubbish': Jessica Rudd calls for childcare sector reform in passionate speech – video
When first taking on the role of CEO at The Parenthood, CEO Jessica Rudd was told by her mother 'I can't believe you're still having to fight this fight'
Inequality reporting
Australian government urged to guarantee three days of childcare a week for all children under five
Productivity Commission report requested by Labor calls for a universal system of childcare, regardless of family’s income
The rural network, Victoria
‘I have the kids all the time’: the struggle to find affordable childcare in the bush
Current funding model does not work for many families in rural and regional Australia, a new report has found
October 2023
Childcare in crisis
Rising fees and staff shortages: why Australian childcare is in crisis – and how to fix it
Childcare in crisis
Childcare fees in Australia: see how much costs have risen in your area
Childcare in crisis
Childcare is like a game of Tetris for this teacher and mother of two in regional Australia
Childcare in crisis
Children and babies ‘at risk’ as childcare centres scramble for staff, insiders say
Ashley Paul Griffith named as childcare worker alleged to be one of Australia’s worst paedophiles
Minister backs ‘naming and shaming’ childcare providers who charge exorbitant fees
September 2023
Childcare fees may need to be capped to curb erosion of subsidies, ACCC says
Watchdog’s latest report says childcare in Australia is ‘relatively less affordable for households than in most other OECD countries’
