Childcare campaign helps educate parents

A new multimillion dollar campaign is helping educate parents on how to claim childcare benefits.

Early Childcare groups have welcomed the move, saying it's about time the Government made the system less confusing.

The new Child Care Rebate cuts out of pocket expenses for approved child care in half, up to $7,500 per child, per year.

To remind parents what they are entitled to, the Government has spent $8 million on a new media campaign, targeting busy families through TV, radio, print and online advertising, reinforcing the messages of a 2011 campaign.

Recent research has shown that more public awareness is required as many new families are uncertain about childcare entitlements.

“We know there are many Australian families who don’t know what financial assistance they are entitled to when it comes to childcare,” said Childcare Minister Kate Ellis.

“We’ve heard of families that aren’t claiming this assistance and some families are even avoiding child care altogether simply because they think they earn too much or they don’t know that support exists.”

With more mothers returning to work, and a lot sooner, the topic of childcare costs is not only one for the school gate, it’s also a priority for the Government and the Opposition, four months out from the next election.

The Australian Government will invest a record $20.6 billion in childcare until 2015-16 with hopes of improving access, quality and affordability.