The Morrison government is providing an additional $305 million for families and child care providers, largely targeted at Victoria in light of the COVID-19 second wave lockdown.
The package includes a child care fee freeze for Victorian families until January 31, 2021 and a continuation of the employment guarantee to ensure Victorian providers receiving the recovery payment pass support payments on to educators and employees through wages and payments.
The relaxation of the activity test for Australian families whose activity level has been impacted by COVID-19 will also be extended to 4 April 2021.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the government had already invested $2.6 billion to support families using child care and the early childhood education and care sector, helping workers and vulnerable families who rely on these services.
"Victorian families and providers will continue to be supported by the federal government so they can get back on their feet following the second wave," Mr Tehan said in a statement on Sunday.
"Already the federal government has provided $205 million in support for Victorian families and child care services to keep families connected to care and services open and viable."
ADDITIONAL $305 MILLION CHILD CARE PACKAGE INCLUDES:
* A recovery payment of 25 per cent of pre-COVID revenue to child care services in Victoria, until January 31, 2021.
* The recovery payment will start for Centre Based Day Care, Family Day Care and In Home Care on September 28 in Victoria. The 40 per cent recovery payment for Outside School Hours Care will also start in Victoria when in-school teaching returns (anticipated to be mid to late October).
* An extra payment of 15 per cent of pre-COVID revenue for Victorian Outside School Hours Care services, increasing their total support payments to 40 per cent of revenue.
* A child care fee freeze for Victorian families until January 31, 2021.
* Continuing the employment guarantee to ensure Victorian providers receiving the recovery payment pass support payments on to educators and employees through wages and payments.
* The relaxation of the activity test for Australian families whose activity level has been impacted by COVID-19 will be extended to 4 April 2021.
Australian Associated Press
