Still work to be done in Childcare

Election promises on childcare are still falling short of adequately supporting women’s participation in the building and construction industry. 

The recent announcement by the NSW Government to deliver one of the biggest education reforms in a generation follows a wave of election promises around childcare, but is it enough to actually make a difference in the lives of working women, particularly those involved in the construction industry? 

Certainly, the announcement of $5.8 billion set to be invested over 10 years to introduce universal pre-Kindergarten for all children in NSW by 2030 is one of the most significant reforms in recent times, and is one which NAWIC wholeheartedly supports. 

“The cost benefit of putting a child through childcare versus going to work has been a barrier for women to get back into the workforce,” NAWIC National Chair, Christina Yiakkoupis said. “This is a great initiative for NSW and we would love to see the other states follow suit in the coming years.” 

NAWIC also very much applauds the Albanese Government’s election promises of extending the subsidy to after-hours care (ensuring this includes earlier starts from 5am – not just late afternoon hours), as well as amending legislation to include payment of Superannuation on parental leave. 

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