Anthony Albanese today visited The Infants Home in Ashfield to discuss the role the centre plays in the local community and Labor’s childcare initiatives in the budget.

The Infants’ Home Child & Family Services is a not-for-profit organisation which provides high-quality specialised services to children and families in the community.

“The Infants’ Home is a great example of high quality childcare available to the families in the Ashfield area,” said Anthony Albanese. The Infant’s Home is a good example of the kind of service the Government is encouraging. They provide a range of additional services onsite. These include: speech therapy, occupational therapy, early childhood nurse consultations, and visiting GP’s. The centre also works in partnership with schools in the local area.

Childcare Initiatives in the Budget

From 1 July 2008 the Childcare Tax Rebate will increase from 30 to 50 per cent of out of pocket costs. The maximum payment will increase from $4,354 to $7,500 per child, and payments will be made quarterly, rather than annually. The first of these payments will be made in October 2008.

The Child Care Tax Rebate is not income tested, and is available to working families with children in approved care, whether they receive other government subsidies or not.

The Rudd Labor Government has committed to establishing up to 260 additional Early Learning and Care Centres across Australia by June 2014.

The Inner West has been identified as a priority area for Phase 1 of this initiative, which will deliver the first 38 centres by June 2010. The Office of Early Childhood Education and Child Care is working with the State Government to identify a suitable location in the area.

“The key objective of this initiative is to provide additional high quality early learning and care places in areas of child care need.”

“Families have told me of their frustration of being unable to access places in child care in the area, and the impact this has had on their ability to work.”

“The Rudd Labor Government is committed to improving support for families using childcare, as well as increasing the number of places in areas of high demand,” said Anthony Albanese.

Parents can also call the Child Care Access Hotline, which is a telephone service that provides parents with information to help choose a child care service that meets their needs, on 1800 670 305 (free call).