The childcare sector is set to take a massive blow with the reintroduction of childcare fees tomorrow, followed by an end to JobKeeper payments for childcare workers in a week.
Labor MLC for Elwick, Josh Willie, said childcare was already unaffordable before COVID-19.
"We are in the middle of this health and economic crisis, and the Liberals are already winding back vital support for the childcare industry and the families that rely up on it," Mr Willie said.
"Early childcare education is education - it is not baby-sitting. These nurturing environments equip our children with skills to start school.
"It's a right that all parents should be able to access education for their children and it shouldn't be made so hard for parents who want the best for their children.
Mr Willie said childcare businesses are worried they may struggle to maintain employment levels when childcare support ends, alongside a wind-back in JobKeeper payments across the industry.
"With free childcare no longer available, some families will remove their children because care is no longer affordable, particularly if they have lost work or have had their hours reduced.
"Without access to affordable care, it will also hurt the economy because of the barriers to workforce participation.
"The education and care sector employ more than 3000 people across Tasmania and if families begin removing their children from early learning and care, the resulting drop in demand will create significant issues for providers.
"With JobKeeper payments for childcare workers also to be wound back, the industry may struggle to remain viable.
"This is devastating - it's devastating for children, parents, educators and for all of us.
"Winding back access to affordable childcare at this time starts the patterns of disadvantage even before children can walk.
"Access to education and care for our children and families shouldn't be made so hard and I urge the Liberal government rethink its 'snap back' and ensure the ongoing viability of the sector."
Josh Willie MLC
Labor Member for Elwick
