LNP delivers more and cheaper before and after school care to working families

Thursday, 22 October, 2020

The LNP has unveiled plans to create 30,000 additional places in before and after school care programs to lower costs for working families across Queensland.

An LNP Government will invest $80 million in major upgrades to expand school facilities and increase available places and subsidise childcare training to address chronic worker shortages.

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said the plan would create 30,000 additional places in outside school hours care programs.

“The LNP will provide more places and more options for working parents across Queensland,” Ms Frecklington said.

“More places mean lower costs for the families of 340,000 kids in our primary schools.

“High costs of care are a major barrier for many parents re-entering the workforce.

“Many parents want to access cheaper before and after school care programs but the service is either not provided in their area or there aren’t any spots available.

“Boosting before and after school care programs in Queensland means more kids can be kept engaged at school in a safe environment.

“Chronic staffing shortages will be tackled with a $10 million investment to subsidise child care training courses for at least 10,000 more workers.

“Our plan will make training for childcare jobseekers free under the Certificate 3 guarantee program.

“It’s a big win for tradies as well with 186 construction jobs created through upgrades to school infrastructure like playgrounds and school facilities.

“The LNP will harness the potential of Queensland’s education system to ease the burden on working families and make it easier for parents who want to re-enter the workforce.

“It’s part of my vision to make Queensland the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

Under the new policy, participating public primary schools will open their playgrounds, halls or classrooms for before and after school care and school holiday care from 7am to 6pm.

An LNP Government will pay the co-contribution fee up to $1,000 for childcare jobseekers.

This will provide free training under the Cert 3 Guarantee program for at least 10,000 workers and a major incentive for jobseekers looking to reskill and change careers.

A new unit will be established in the Department of Education to coordinate agreements with before and after school care providers.

LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said schools that opt in will receive upgraded facilities as well.

“A centralised unit in the Department of Education will take the burden off principals and P&Cs,” Mr Mander said.

“The LNP’s plan will use our schools smarter so mums and dads across Queensland can benefit.

“It’s all part of the LNP’s plan to get Queensland working again.”

The LNP’s funding boost will provide:

  • $60 million to expand and upgrade playground and school facilities to accommodate before and after school care, to increase the number of places available for working families.
  • $10 million to address chronic staffing shortages through subsidised training under a child care worker training course for at least 10,000 more workers. 
  • $10 million to establish a centralised unit in the Department of Education to coordinate before and after school care agreements.