ELAA signals concerns for Vic viability as worker permit system returns

The Early Learning Association of Australia (ELAA) has expressed concern about the sustainability of services waiving fees without financial support from the government to subsidise income foregone in the wake of a recent “blanket rule” announcement regarding gap fees. 

The renewed expression of concerns comes in the wake of an announcement late Monday by the Premier of Victoria outlining further restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne as part of the plan to manage the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Effective from 11.59pm on Tuesday 17 August, permits are needed for the authorised workforce including early childhood education and care workforce.

All early childhood education and care services continue to remain open for all children, including those of essential workers. Existing arrangements in relation to vulnerable children and children of essential workers apply in out of school hours care.  

Despite the positive developments for families, ELAA is concerned about the sustainability of services waiving fees without financial support from the government, with a spokesperson from the organisation saying “we have been advocating to the Commonwealth for a sustainability package, and will continue to join with community peaks to push for support funding to ensure service viability.”

To help inform its advocacy, ELAA will be surveying members providing Child Care Subsidy approved services in the coming week about changes to enrolments and whether services will be applying a waiver.

For more information please visit the ELAA website, here.