UnitingCare Australia supports the data released today by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, suggesting that high fees will stop many families using much-needed child care.

"Our own research has shown that many families accessing community based long day care are feeling the pinch. Increased fees, a direct result of this Government’s decision to remove operational subsidies to centres, have already forced families to either reduce hours or totally pull out of centre based child care, and opt for an alternative form of child care not of their choice," Ms Libby Davies, National Director of UnitingCare Australia, said.

"Our research supports the Brotherhood’s claim that the Government’s new Child Care Benefit will be inadequate to meet those rising costs," Ms Davies said. "Accessibility to care of choice is only affordable if the family’s income is substantial. Our survey of community based child care centres in NSW, Queensland and Victoria revealed the various ways in which families on low incomes are now trying to cope:

• One third of all responding parents experienced hardship in meeting increased fees after the 1 July 1997 removal of operational subsidy. Weekly fees increased by up to $35 between July 1997 and July 1999.
• 22% of respondents reduced the amount of time their children were in long day care, and made alternative arrangements – often a complex mix of long day care, family day care and neighbours or relatives.
• 20% made changes to their working arrangements because of increased fees – by increasing working hours; decreasing both working and care hours; adding weekend work; or restructuring working times of both parents to take more of an at-home caring role."

"Families are clearly struggling to find the best care for their children, and the optimal balance between work and family responsibilities. UnitingCare Australia fully supports the Brotherhood’s call for a further increase in child care subsidies of $15 per week," Ms Davies said.