Grant helps implement new child care benefit

Commonwealth funded child care services will be entitled to a $350 grant towards the cost of implementing the new Child Care Benefit, Minister for Community Services Larry Anthony announced today.

“This grant will help child care services with administrative costs involved in changing over to the Child Care Benefit,” said Mr Anthony.

“This $350 grant is in addition to the $200 available to businesses who register with the Australian Tax Office,” said Mr Anthony.

The new Child Care Benefit will be implemented on July 1, 2000, and most services will need to update their administrative practices and undertake training to prepare for the changes.

“The Child Care Benefit is part of the Government’s Tax Reform Package, and combines the Childcare Assistance payment and Childcare Rebate into one simple payment with one set of rules,” said Mr Anthony.

“The new benefit provides a $7.50 a week increase for low income families paying average fees for one child in full time centre-based care.

“Maximum rates of Child Care Benefit will be $120 per week for one child, $251 a week for two children or $392 per week for three children.

“This is just another practical example of how the National-Liberal Government is helping Australian families.”

Families who need more information about the Child Care Benefit can call the National Child Care Hotline on 1800 670 305.