Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I assume Senator Hanson-Young is making an oblique reference to the new activity test that will come into being. I am pleased to let you, Senator Hanson-Young, and colleagues in this place know that those families who do not meet the activity test will be assisted through the child care safety net. Also, up to 24 hours per fortnight will be provided to children from families with incomes less than approximately $65,000 per year, who do not meet the activity test, to ensure continued access to early childhood learning for these low-income families. The 24 hours is equivalent to two six-hour sessions, which is the same period provided for K to 12 public school education, and service providers will have the flexibility to deliver those sessions. I am pleased to have the opportunity to share that with the chamber.