‘Increasingly unsafe’: Australia’s in-home childcare program under threat from rising costs, advocate warns
Australia's in-home childcare program, used by around 800 families with children who cannot access mainstream care, is under threat due to rising costs not covered by government subsidies. Nearly one in three providers say they are at risk of closure, as families absorb wage increases meant for childcare workers. Advocates warn that without policy changes, vulnerable children could be left in unsafe and unsupported environments.
- ▪About 800 families in Australia rely on the publicly funded in-home childcare program for children who cannot access mainstream care.
- ▪A survey of 23 providers found that 31% are at risk of closure, with over half operating under significant pressure.
- ▪Workers in the in-home childcare program have been excluded from the federal government’s 15% wage increase for childcare workers.
- ▪The Australian Home Childcare Association warns that up to 50% of families may withdraw from the program after the next wage increase on 1 July.
- ▪The 2024 Productivity Commission report found the hourly rate cap for in-home care does not reflect actual operating costs and recommended a review.
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About 800 families in Australia use in-home childcare. Almost one in three providers say they are at risk of shutting down. Photograph: Lourdes Balduque/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenAbout 800 families in Australia use in-home childcare. Almost one in three providers say they are at risk of shutting down. Photograph: Lourdes Balduque/Getty ImagesChildcare Australia‘Increasingly unsafe’: Australia’s in-home childcare program under threat from rising costs, advocate warnsThe little-known publicly funded scheme is used by about 800 families with children who cannot access mainstream care Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Krishani DhanjiSun 3 May 2026 20.00 EDTLast modified on Sun 3 May 2026 20.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleRebecca Mohr Bell, a cattle…
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