KRISTY MCBAIN
MEMBER FOR EDEN-MONARO

A re-elected Labor Government will invest up to $5 million towards building a new childcare service in Eden.

We’ve already made child care cheaper for more than one million Australian families. But we know that in some areas, families are still struggling to find a local child care place.

That’s why we’re announcing this election commitment to build new childcare centres and expand services, in areas of need like Eden.

The service will be operated by a high-quality, not-for-profit provider to give children the best start.

We have a plan to build a universal early childhood education system that is simple, affordable and accessible for every family and where every child is guaranteed access to at least three days of high-quality early childhood education and care.

Labor knows that building Australia’s future is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about investing in people, in skills, and in education.

That’s why the Labor Government has replaced the Liberal’s unfair Activity Test with a 3 Day Guarantee.

Thanks to the Labor Government, families will be eligible to access at least three days a week of subsidised child care from January 2026.

We’ve also funded a 15% pay rise for early childhood educators – helping grow the workforce so more children can access early education. We’ll also keep fees low for families by capping fee increases as part of our wage increase.

All of this would be at risk under Peter Dutton who voted to lock vulnerable children out of education by voting against the 3 Day Guarantee and who hasn’t supported Labor’s $1 billion Building Early Education Fund.

We want to open the doors of opportunity to all children – while Peter Dutton wants to slam them shut leaving families in Eden-Monaro worse off.

A re-elected Labor Government will work with the Eden community to identify an appropriate location for the new service.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:

“This is all about giving our kids the best start in life and getting them ready for school.

“I have heard loud and clear from the Eden community that there is a severe shortage of childcare places available.

“No child should miss out on the opportunity of high-quality early learning because of their postcode – and I’m proud to be making this election commitment.”