Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said the Education Minister must rule out the reintroduction of childcare fees in his current review of the COVID-19 childcare package.
Senator Faruqi said:
"Free and universal childcare has been a huge step forward for access to childcare. It should be made permanent.
"The Minister should be looking at how to ensure ongoing access to free childcare, and options for expanded public operation of childcare.
"The government has finally recognised childcare and early learning for what it is: an essential service that we all rely on and everyone can access, not only those who can afford to pay.
"Childcare cannot be seen as a way to turn a profit, but as a way to make our society more equitable.
"We are now at a really important turning point for early childhood education and care. Let's not waste it. Free childcare should be here to stay," she said.
