WA child care places grow after uncapping

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, said latest figures showed the significant benefits of lifting limits on Outside School Hours Care and Family Day Care to increase child care availability for Australian families.

"In the past year alone the number of child care places in Western Australia has increased by 3,484 – providing places for as many as 17,000 extra children," Mr Brough said.

"Under the Howard Government the number of child care places in Western Australia has nearly doubled since 1996, from 23,464 places to 46,057 places.

"Vacancy data from the working week beginning on 16 July 2007 shows at least 7,000 vacancies each day were available in Western Australia.

"Importantly, parents using these places are eligible for subsidised child care through Child Care Benefit (CCB) and the Child Care Tax Rebate (CCTR).

"CCB increased by 13.3 per cent from 1 July 2007 – a 10 per cent increase on top of the regular indexation increase.

"Improved CCTR means working parents receive up to 30 per cent of out of pocket child care expenses of up to $4,211 per year per child sooner, and that more people can access the full benefit.

"The Howard Government’s commitment to child care for the next 4 years is about $11 billion.

"Anyone looking for care can contact the Child Care Access hotline on 1800 670 305 to check vacancies in their area," Mr Brough said.

Child Care Vacancies in Western Australia 16 July to 20 July 2007