The Federal Government must act urgently to implement a planned closure of childcare services, or risk the collapse of the sector.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said many centres are struggling to remain viable as children are withdrawn from care in large numbers.
"People are taking their children out of care either because they've lost work, or to help reduce the spread of the virus," Ms White said.
"Childcare centres are reliant to a degree on Federal Government funding, yet there's no clarity from government on how centres will be supported to survive the COVID-19 crisis.
"There must be an orderly and supported closure of childcare centres, in line with the same principles of school closures, to protect the future viability of those businesses, the need for ongoing care for some children, and the health and safety of childcare workers and the children they care for.
"The approach for the childcare sector must mirror that taken for schools, where childcare would remain available for children who still require care - such as the children of essential workers.
"If childcare centres fail, there will be no option for those families, workers and children."
Rebecca White
Labor Leader
