General News
14 August, 2026
Tehan calls for more childcare funding
MEMBER for Wannon Dan Tehan is calling out the federal government’s childcare policies after Consumer Price Index figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed an increase in costs of 7.6 per cent over 12 months.
He said the figures were another reminder regional families are under increasing financial pressure.
“Labor promised Australians cheaper childcare, but the reality is families are paying more than ever,” Mr Tehan said.
“Parents across Wannon are already dealing with higher electricity bills, rising grocery prices, increasing insurance costs and higher mortgages.
“Another sharp increase in childcare costs is the last thing working families need.”
Mr Tehan said since Labor came to office, childcare fees have risen by 28 per cent, with the average full-time childcare place now costing more than $36,000 a year before subsidies.
He said affordability was only part of the challenge facing regional communities.
“In many towns across Wannon, families aren’t just worried about the cost of childcare, they’re worried about whether they can access it at all,” Mr Tehan said.
“Too many parents are struggling to find suitable places close to home, making it harder to return to work or increase their hours.
“I know many parents, carers and childcare providers across Wannon are frustrated by policies that don’t always reflect the realities of raising a family outside our major cities.
“Regional communities face different challenges, and our childcare system needs to recognise that.
“Regional communities need childcare policies that provide genuine choice and flexibility for families, regardless of where they live.”
Mr Tehan said despite record taxpayer spending on childcare, Labor’s approach was failing to deliver better outcomes.
“Families are paying more, taxpayers are paying more, and many parents still can’t access the type of care that best suits their family’s needs,” he said.
“The Coalition believes every Australian family deserves affordable, high-quality childcare that gives parents real choice and helps them participate in the workforce, regardless of where they live.”
Mr Tehan said he has invited Senator Matt O’Sullivan, Shadow Minister for Choice in Childcare and Early Learning, to visit Wannon in August.
“Senator O’Sullivan will join me in hosting childcare roundtables to ensure local experience and input helps the Coalition to develop practical reforms that deliver greater choice, flexibility and affordability for families in our region,” he said.
Parents, carers and childcare providers can register their interest in attending by going to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wannonchildcareforum.
Mr Tehan said he would continue advocating for practical policies which improve childcare access and affordability for families across Wannon.