For Yorke Peninsula residents who rallied this month at Port Broughton's foreshore demanding government action to address a severe childcare shortage, funding announcements in the federal budget have raised expectations.
However, Barunga West Council's Interim CEO Paul Simpson, cautioned that despite the budget's promising childcare measures, significant hurdles remain for families in South Australia's regional electorate of Grey, the country's worst childcare desert.
The Regional Childcare Desert Advocacy Project's (RCDAP) "Bring Them In" campaign, spearheaded by Mr Simpson, highlights community frustration over the ongoing government neglect of childcare access in regional Australia.
"The incredible turnout at our campaign launch clearly demonstrates the urgency and unity behind our cause," Mr Simpson said. "Our region contributes over $15 billion annually to South Australia's economy, yet families continue to lack basic childcare services. The federal budget's announcements are promising, but we must see specific commitments for Grey."
Mr Simpson said that initiatives such as the Three-Day Guarantee and the Building Early Education Fund, although positive, may not effectively resolve the unique challenges faced by communities in Grey. He stressed that unless childcare services are physically available locally, the impact of such policies would be minimal, leaving families in the same difficult situation.
The federal budget introduces some key measures aimed at enhancing childcare accessibility, particularly designed to benefit regional areas:
- Three-Day Guarantee: Starting January 2026, all families will be entitled to at least three days a week of subsidised childcare, removing the current activity test. This policy aims to improve accessibility, especially in regional communities where options are limited.
- Building Early Education Fund: A $1 billion investment will support the construction and expansion of approximately 160 early childhood education and care services in regions facing childcare shortages.
- Early Childhood Educator Wage Increase: A $3.6 billion investment will fund a 15% pay rise for early childhood educators to attract and retain qualified staff, crucial for service improvement across Australia, including regional areas.
Barunga West Mayor Leonie Kerley welcomed the announcements but stressed the need for explicit financial commitments to Grey, regardless of which party governs.
"Our region has been neglected for generations," Mayor Kerley said. "While these announcements are encouraging, we urgently need clear funding directed specifically to Grey to finally address our childcare crisis."
A July 2022 Demand Survey in Port Broughton highlighted the economic impact of inadequate childcare, with 74% of respondents indicating they would increase their employment if childcare were accessible.
The Mitchell Institute repeatedly identified Grey as Australia's worst childcare desert, highlighting significant disparities in access and child development compared to metropolitan areas.
"Every moment governments delay action, our children and communities suffer," Mr Simpson said. "Promises alone aren't enough. We need immediate funding commitments and practical solutions to address our urgent needs."
The South Australian Government acknowledges regional childcare shortages in its response to the recent Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care but has not yet provided specific commitments.
"We want clear, actionable commitments from all tiers of government," Mr Simpson said. "It's crucial to ensure our children thrive, whether they're in Adelaide's suburbs or Port Broughton."
Federal political representatives, including retiring Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey, Senator Karen Grogan, Liberal candidate Tom Venning, and Independent candidate Anita Kuss, attended the RCDAP launch, underscoring bipartisan recognition of the issue.
"Our unified regional voice is now louder than ever," Mr Simpson said. "The federal budget sets a positive direction, but specific support for Grey is essential."
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