Goodstart welcomes Government decision to waive gap fees after floods

Goodstart Early Learning has welcomed a decision by the Federal Government to allow services closed as a result of the recent flooding in New South Wales and Queensland to waive gap fees and be able to claim Child Care Subsidy (CCS). 

In Queensland and New South Wales, 115 Goodstart centres were closed last week due to the floods, impacting over 5,500 families. While most centers have since reopened, 19 centres remain closed, with six centres sustaining serious flood damage.

Goodstart CEO Julia Davison said the Government’s decision will help Goodstart to support its educators and families as centres recover from the floods.

“Goodstart wanted to waive fees for our families in centres closed due to flood. We believe families should not be charged when a centre closes its doors due to a natural disaster,” she said.

“Waiving fees this week would have cost Goodstart around $1.5 million, a significant sum for a not-for profit organisation. Today’s decision allows us to recover Child Care Subsidy for the week, covering the wages of our educators in affected centres.”

Ms Davison thanked Acting Minister for Education Stuart Robert for responding so quickly to requests to support centres wanting to waive fees for families during this flooding event.

“Many Goodstart educators and families have lost their homes or suffered significant property damage and we will continue to offer support to our people as they recover,” Ms Davison added.

To access the Minister’s announcement, please see here.