Child care is set to be a key issue at the next federal election. So what might it look like?

Child care is shaping up to be a key issue at the next federal election, with parents wanting to know if it will become more accessible and affordable. Key points: Child care is set to be a key issue at the next federal election, with economic and social reasons for change The Coalition is yet to commit to any major reforms, while Labor says making child care cheaper will be one of its policy promises Industry experts say they believe substantial changes to child care are likely in the next few years The answer is — it definitely could. Parents experienced free child care last year, proving radical change is possible Labor put child care front and centre in its budget reply speech last year Due to COVID-19, a budget surplus is on the backburner and the need to boost the economy is at the fore There is increased political pressure, led by former SA premier Jay Weatherill, now CEO of Thrive by Five Executive director of The Parenthood Georgie Dent said for some families, this administrative burden could mean they did not end up sending their children to child care at all. "Ninety per cent of the child's brain is built during those first five years, and yet we don't behave as though that is true," Mr Weatherill said. The Community Child Care Association says three things will need to change to make high-quality child care universally accessible: the funding model, the workforce and the way providers are incentivised to make improvements.