Greens Senator: Childcare, Housing in Crisis

Greens Senator Steph Hodgins-May will visit Mount Alexander Shire on Wednesday to listen to community concerns about the lack of access to early childhood education and care in the region.

New research published this month by Victoria University Mitchell Institute, found that of 20 areas in Castlemaine, nine are classified as childcare deserts, where there are more than three children per childcare place.

"It's shocking that in a wealthy country like Australia, access to childcare is determined by your postcode.

"Parents in Mount Alexander Shire are telling me they can't secure childcare places despite being on multiple waiting lists. Kids are missing out on critical early years education while parents are missing out on much-needed paid work in a cost of living crisis.

"I'm also hearing from essential workers, such as nurses and teachers, who can't step in to fill gaps in regional towns like Castlemaine because they can't get early childcare places for their kids.

Despite the demand for early years education, Senator Hodgins-May says centres are running below capacity.

"Childcare centres in Mount Alexander Shire are finding it difficult to attract educators because of the lack of affordable and available housing, rising rents and poor conditions across the sector.

"This is a workforce that is overwhelmingly comprised of women, who continue to take home less than two-thirds of the average weekly adult wage. Even with the Government's announced pay rise, early childhood educators are underpaid and many simply can't afford to stay.

Compounding the problem is the lack of affordable housing in the area. According to the March quarter 2024 Rental Report, only 13 per cent of rentals in Mount Alexander Shire are affordable.

"Early childhood educators are being priced out of local housing and rental markets and are forced to find jobs elsewhere.

"Unlike in metropolitan areas, essential workers in the regions aren't easily replaced from neighbouring suburbs. The lack of affordable housing in communities such as Mount Alexander Shire is compromising essential services.

Senator Hodgins-May says we need urgent action to fix our housing crisis and broken childcare system.

"Childcare is a fundamental right. All kids should have access to high quality, free, universal early years education. The Albanese Government needs to step in and regulate the provision of childcare to ensure availability isn't determined by the providers. We also need increased investment in not-for-profit and community-based services.

"Local councils can play a vital role. As major property holders, councils are well placed to support local groups and not-for-profit organisations to expand the region's childcare centres and promote affordable housing.

"The Greens will continue to call for rent caps and more public housing, and support families across Victoria who are urging the Government to properly fund early years education so all children get the best start in life."