Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey has urged Family Day Care providers to be assured their situation has not been overlooked and they will be looked after by the Government in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
“There have been a number of Family Day Care Providers who have contacted my office concerned with rumours sweeping the industry,” he said.
“I have been in contact with both the Education Minister Dan Tehan and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg discussing Family Day Care operators and can confirm the Government is determined they should stay open to support families needing their services and that their incomes will be protected.
“Family Day Care providers are being treated the same as Day Care Centres, receiving the equivalent Child Care subsidy, previously attached to a child’s enrolment, directly from the government. The payment will be the lower of 50% payment of fee revenue or the hourly rate cap, from fortnight ending 2 March.
“This will ensure that even if parents decide under the current circumstances not to send their child to day care, the provider’s normal subsidised income is protected.
“It is anticipated on average that will represent about half of their normal income.”
Mr Ramsey said that under this arrangement parents who previously made up the balance of the full fee will no longer contribute, so for them, in this temporary arrangement, the service is free. Because of this action the Family Day Care provider will then become eligible for the Sole Trader/JobKeeper payment of $1,500 a fortnight which expected, when combined with the direct subsidy to fully fund their service.
“In some cases some variance may occur and if that is the case they can seek extra assistance from the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Packages,” he said.
“A small glitch in this arrangement has been identified where Family Day Care providers may not have an ABN identified as a requirement to access the Sole Trader relief package.
“The Treasurer has committed to make the appropriate amendment to the regulation within days to ensure this is not an impediment.
“Family Day Care providers and Family Day Care educators who are sole traders should register their interest for the Sole Traders/ JobKeeper Payment payments.”
The CCS Helpdesk is available to assist services with more information about the Early Childhood, Education and Care Relief Package. Please email the CCS Helpdesk on ccshelpdesk@dese.gov.au, send in your query via an online form or call 1300 667 276 between 9.00 am — 5.00 pm (AEST), Monday to Friday.
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 0417827523
