Billion-Dollar Bid to Tackle GWS Childcare Deserts

Leading think-tank, the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, has welcomed the federal government’s billion-dollar pledge to put an end to childcare deserts in Greater Western Sydney (GWS).

Dialogue CEO, Adam Leto, welcomed the step as a win for parents, children and the region’s future.

“The mums and dads of Western Sydney have had to travel too far, pay too much, or wait too long to access quality and affordable childcare,” Mr Leto said.

The federal government’s $1.3 billion-a-year guarantee to build more childcare centres and offer three days of free childcare for families earning under $530,000 per year will prove a major cost-of-living relief for GWS families, and help ensure the growth and prosperity of the region continues.

The latest national data from Victoria University reveals almost half of Greater Western Sydney is considered a childcare desert, where there are more than three children for each place available in a childcare centre.

Data also reveals six GWS statistical areas including parts of Blacktown, Rouse Hill and Bringelly, experienced a price hike of more than 24% in the last three years.

“This is a massive boost for the families of the West and will give children a chance to thrive,” Mr Leto said.

“Research confirms that kids who participate in early childhood education and care receive important developmental, social and educational benefits which are lifelong, and set them up for future success.

“This is a great step toward making childcare more attractive and accessible across GWS.”

The billion-dollar commitment will also see more women in Western Sydney free to re-enter the workforce in full or part-time roles.

Currently, GWS local government areas make up nine out of the bottom ten LGAs in Greater Sydney for the lowest number of childcare places on average per child while also having some of the lowest rates of female parent workforce participation in Greater Sydney.

“Right now you have a better chance of sending your boy or girl to childcare and participating in the workforce if you are a mum in Cammeray or Leichhardt compared to Campbelltown or Liverpool and that’s not fair,” Mr Leto said.

“We hope this policy will help level the playing field for the parents of Western Sydney.”