Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

I can confirm that, under our reforms, which will come into effect next year—notwithstanding the opposition of those opposite, who've done nothing to help in relation to childcare fees—for the first time ever, there will be a clear price signal built into the way in which childcare support is built, which will help to keep a lid on fee increases in the future by tying them to reasonable cost increases, ensuring there is a benchmark price across the sector and ensuring that there is something tangible—as recommended by the Productivity Commission as a result of their extensive consultations and work—as an effective means not only to provide additional support to low- and middle-income families in terms of their child care but also to do something about fee increases.

We know that when those opposite went to the last election all they promised to do was increase the cap on the childcare rebate. That was their solution. Of course, the last time they did it we saw a huge fee spike. We have totally overhauled the childcare system, including putting in place an efficient price indicator. (Time expired)