The Nationals are working on a specialist policy to address the ongoing childcare crisis in regional Victoria.
The first step to building this policy involved an analysis summarised in a report titled “Beyond Urban Borders” and investigates access to childcare in regional Victoria using data, community responses, and interviews with local providers.
Nationals’ colleague, Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, met with the Minister for Children during the most recent sitting of Parliament to discuss the future of childcare across the region and share the report.
“As things stand, too many regional communities are classified as ‘childcare deserts’ – meaning there are more than three children competing for each place at local childcare facilities,” Ms Benham said.
“Despite this, there has been a lack of action from the Allan Labor Government to resolve this issue.
“In recent months, Labor has abandoned their plans to build more childcare facilities leaving our communities in difficult positions.
“Not having enough available childcare has a massive impact on the future of our smaller towns with many families forced to relocate to bigger centres for improved access,” Ms Benham said.
“We are seeing this currently with the closure of childcare in Hopetoun.
“There are families who made the move to the Mallee town during Covid but given the non-existence of any childcare, are now considering moving back to the city.
“These are families that not only work in the district, but contribute in extremely valuable ways to the broader community so losing them cuts deep in small towns.”
“Recently, we have seen the flipside of this with the opening of the Charlton Early Years Centre and what an incredible impact that has had on the town.
Ms Benham recently visited and although workforce and physical space of the daycare are still challenges, the ability for community to at least have access to early childhood learning has had an incredible impact.
To help develop their policy, The Nationals are looking to hear more stories from the local community – whether it be from educators, parents, family members, or service providers.
“Sharing your experiences with childcare in the region will be crucial to ensuring this policy recognises the ongoing challenges within the sector,” Ms Benham said.
“We’re proud that this policy is being influenced by local stories, and I thank families, educators, and childcare providers for their contributions.
“This is grassroots policy making at its best.”
Those wishing to make a contribution can contact my office directly on 0350 212 828 or www.jadebenham.com.au
