Robert announces support for QLD and NSW ECEC and families affected by floods

Families and early childhood education and care (ECEC) services impacted by the recent weather event and subsequent flooding in large areas of south east Queensland and northern New South Wales will be supported by the Government, Acting Minister for Education and Youth, Stuart Robert has announced. 

Support is available for both the immediate flood emergency period and the recovery phase to come, the Minister said. 

“Australian Government support is in place now to alleviate the immense upheaval for families and communities due to the flooding,” Minister Robert said.

“Families in affected areas should be aware that children have 52 allowable absence days from childcare this financial year. While the number of allowable absence days was increased due to COVID-19 they can be used for any reason, including for this flood emergency.” 

Services, he continued, will also receive Child Care Subsidy (CCS) while they are closed during a local emergency, and families who have had homes destroyed or which are badly damaged may also be eligible for extra help with the cost of childcare through the Additional Child Care Subsidy (temporary financial hardship). 

Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Senator Bridget McKenzie said childcare services facing financial viability issues or closure due to the floods could also apply for a Special Circumstances grant.

“Community Child Care Fund Special Circumstances Grants are available to approved services that operate in, or provide care for, disadvantaged and vulnerable communities,” Minister McKenzie said.

“We will continue to closely monitor the flood emergency and Commonwealth assistance may be extended to other local government areas.”

The Federal Government has also activated the Disaster Recovery Payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child to support people in the local government areas impacted by flooding in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.

The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tested payment. The payment is available to eligible people in affected local government areas who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.

For more information on the targeted support available to childcare providers, services and families in the event of a local emergency please see here.