Kevin Rudd's Affordable Child Care Plan

[Odessa]

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22622971-29277,00.html

Labor have announced their childcare policy today - increasing the rebate from 30% to 50% and lifting the annual cap to $7500 per child. The rebate would be paid every three months, instead of annually as it is now.

What do you think? Will it help your family situation? Personally I know a lot of people who are paying through the nose for childcare, and the current rebate is simply not enough to warrant a second income/childcare - they will be very pleased with this announcement. :thumbsup:

[forbetoel]

I would actually prefer to see the money spent on aged care. The oldies of society raised their children without a scrap thrown at them from the government, and now get a lousy on the poverty line pension for thanks. I am against further childcare handouts.

[SassyMummy]

I don't use childcare... but it SOUNDS good... especially the "every 3 months thing" because although it's nice to get a big wad of cash in one hit, it's more helpful if it's spread out a bit.

Good policy IMO...:thumbsup:

ETA - just saw the above post. Good point. Would be nice if older people were taken care of a bit more...

[Sheer Bliss]

It's a lovely idea for those of us using childcare - but I honestly think taxpayers money could be better spent elsewhere. Hospitals, health care in general and education are a few things that spring to mind.

Any increases to things like this have to come from somewhere, whether it be decrease in spending in other areas or increase in taxes. I think what we currently get is pretty good (i don't live in a large city where i understand prices are huge - i guess if i was in that position i might feel differently)

Also - the current 30% rebate is now being paid monthly isn't it?? In my tax i claimed the previous years expenses, and last years and got it in a lump sum. Then i have received a whopping $1.23 (or something like that) at the end of the month this FY for the rebate.

[pinkpirate]

I think it is good because it helps people who use it now. And it also is symbolic - it recognises that lots of families have parents who have to or want to work. Instead of Mr Howard who acts as if every family is like him and Mrs Howard, when of course we're not anymore.

[Roxy]

(I was there at the policy launch!!)

I'm torn. One the one hand, it would be fabulous - my childcare bill is currently $575 a f/n AFTER child care benefit. 50% of that back in my pocket (up to the threshold) would certainly make a huge difference to our household affordability.

On the other hand, I do agree with money being spent on Australia's aging population. But, not all policies have been released yet, so there could still be spending on the "oldies" yet.

[~Bec~]

I'm not sure what the actual figures are but I read recently that it's actually profitable for the governemnt to fund childcare as it allows the parents to return to work, thereby contribute more to taxes and economy.

Unfortunately we have no choice but to put our baby in full time childcare from about 7 months and it will cost us about $300/week not including any subsidies. Any further subsidies the government provide will be of great benefit to us. I'm 37 and would love ds to have a little brother or sister but I am aware time is running out and I shouldn't wait too long. This would mean we would have 2 in childcare for a while and we simply couldn't afford that without substantial increase in subsidies. We both earn a reasonable income, it's just that we only entered the housing market last year and consequently have a large mortgage (that's only getting bigger thanks to interest rates :mad: ).

[lotti]

Personally, I'd like to see the money go to education and hospitals.

[forbetoel]

[quote=Roxy;2022040On the other hand, I do agree with money being spent on Australia's aging population. But, not all policies have been released yet, so there could still be spending on the "oldies" yet.[/quote]

I really hope so :yes:

[Odessa]

As previous posters have said, I don't think it's an either-or situation. I'm waiting to hear the other policy announcements, it's only week 2 of the campaign after all!

[ShadyCharacter]

For some, extra childcare incentives are not a nice little bonus or luxury, but a necessity. I pay high childcare fees now, and with number two on the way would be looking at $650 per WEEK if we were going to place both children in daycare. Obviously that is pointless, so we won't be using daycare at all, we will both be working our schedules out so one of us is always home with the kids, which means between us, working 7 days a week, just to get by.

With one child, we can live quite comfortably, with two, we will be struggling just to make ends meet, soley because of the high cost of childcare.

So yeah, while I think there are a lot of other areas that need funding, I don't think there can be too much paid in childcare benefits.

[forbetoel]

Shadycharacter, are you worried that new funding will only push up the cost?

[ShadyCharacter]

I think perhaps if the CCB was increased, costs would increase... but I think increasing the CCR shouldn't have too much of an effect.

All I can say is that I can't wait until next year when I don't have to use CC anymore!