Canberra has announced a trial to subsidise the cost of nannies for some families.
It’s hoped the new program will provide options for parents who can’t access traditional childcare services.
Adele Croker has been a nanny for nine years.
She looks after Sofia and Ari for three to four days a week, and says subsiding nannies is a positive step for parents.
Adele Croker, Qld Representative Australian Nanny Association: “It’s extremely important that they can access care outside of hours so that they don’t have to be trying to stress about what time they get to work and where to the put their children.â€
The $250 million trial will see 4,000 nannies employed over two years, caring for about 10,000 children.
It can only be accessed by shift-workers, families in rural areas and parents of special needs children.
Scott Morrison, Social Services Minister: “This isn’t a replacement for mainstream services, this is a supplement to those who are currently unable to access either the service and therefore the support we provide for that service.â€
Payments will be means tested, households earning over $250,000 a year can’t claim.
Concerns have been raised nannies won’t face the same regulations applied to childcare workers.
Gwynn Bridge, CEO Australian Childcare Alliance Queensland: “We just need to see more detail on the program like what the hourly rate is going to be and what kind of regulations are going to govern this person who will spend nights and weekends, no doubt in people’s homes.â€
Nannies in the pilot program will need to be over the age of 18, employed by a registered service provider, first-aid trained and have a Working with Children Certificate.
The Government’s full childcare package will be released before the May budget.
Tom Armstrong, QUT News.
