Goodbye to the childcare activity test

New legislation passed in Federal Parliament has removed the long-standing barrier of the childcare subsidy Activity Test, which prevented many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children accessing early childhood education and care.

Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC, the national voice for children, said the legislation would impact the lives of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families and was a significant step in children being developmentally ready for school.

“The community-controlled sector, our families and our communities have been calling for this change for years. Today’s legislation shows that their voices are being heard,” Ms Liddle said.

“SNAICC has advocated for many years to remove the Activity Test, and we are thrilled to see this legislation passed today.

“The Activity Test created a significant barrier for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in accessing enough or in some cases, any subsidised care.

“Better access to culturally safe, quality services will mean our children are more likely to be developmentally ready for big school and have access to the services that will help them to thrive.”

In the most recent update on Closing the Gap, it was revealed that outcomes around developmental readiness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were worsening.

“When our children are and our families are supported through access to wrap-around services in Aboriginal community-controlled centres, studies show we get better outcomes for those children not only in the early years, but throughout their life.

“The flow on effects of access to care has the potential for wider impacts, with recent studies showing interventions in settings with vulnerable children and their families may be the key to reducing youth crime.”