CCS changes have had an impact on family savings new CPI data finds

The Australian Government’s Cheaper Child Care changes have cut the cost of early childhood education and care (ECEC) for Australian families, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report.

The Cheaper Child Care measures have increased the base subsidy rates for all families earning up to $530,000, with the maximum subsidy now set to 90 per cent for families earning $80,000 or less.

As a result, ECEC affordability improved by 13.2 per cent nationally according to the report which was released yesterday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The ABS estimates that without the changes to the Child Care Subsidy, child care costs for families would have increased by 6.7 per cent.

All major cities have seen child care costs for families drop by at least 10 per cent, with some seeing a reduction of more than 17 per cent.

Adelaide has benefited the most from the changes, with costs reducing by 18 per cent. Melbourne costs reduced by 17.5 per cent, and Hobart by 14 per cent. 

The smallest reduction, of just over 10 per cent, was in Sydney. Nationally, costs fell 13.2 per cent. 

“Families now have greater choice when it comes to balancing the early learning needs of children along with being able to work more hours to boost household income,” Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly said.

“Quality early childhood education and care sets children up to succeed at school, in higher education and throughout life.”

View the latest CPI report here.