Families in regional Australia are facing a severe childcare shortage, impacting local businesses and economies, according to industry groups.
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is urging all political parties to support the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, ahead of the upcoming election. The fund, recently introduced by the Federal Government, aims to establish over 160 new childcare centers in areas that need them the most.
Recent data reveals that nearly a quarter (24%) of regions are classified as “childcare deserts,” meaning they lack sufficient early learning services.
David Jochinke, President of the NFF, emphasized the importance of the fund for rural, regional, and remote Australians, saying that childcare access is essential for farming families.
“Without proper childcare, rural parents are forced to choose between their farm’s productivity, their family’s financial security, and their own career advancement,” Mr. Jochinke said.
He shared his experience in Horsham, where there were only 13 childcare spots available for every 100 children last year.
“This shortage is holding entire communities back. We need political parties to support the Building Early Education Fund,” he added.
While Mr. Jochinke acknowledged that building more childcare centers won’t solve all the problems, he believes it is a significant step toward supporting regional families.
The NFF’s member organization, GrainGrowers, has made tackling the childcare crisis in regional Australia a top priority. GrainGrowers’ CEO, Shona Gawel, emphasized the need to address this issue to help local businesses and farms.
“Without adequate childcare, it’s difficult to attract and keep staff, which affects the entire economy,” Ms. Gawel said.
Tracy Lefroy, a West Australian grain grower and GrainGrowers member, highlighted the challenges families in her area face, including long daily commutes to find childcare.
“Families here are driving 80 kilometers each way, just to access childcare. That’s 160 kilometers every day—it’s not sustainable or safe,” Ms. Lefroy said.
She added that the lack of childcare is preventing regional communities from reaching their full potential.
The NFF and GrainGrowers are also part of the Access for Every Child Coalition, led by The Parenthood. This coalition of 73 organizations is advocating for every child, no matter where they live, to have access to early childhood education and care.
Ms. Gawel emphasized that the future of farming families depends on the Building Early Education Fund, which will give country children the same opportunities as those in cities.
“Quality early learning is vital for children’s cognitive development, social skills, and school readiness,” she said.
With election campaigns underway, these groups are urging politicians to commit to the future of early childhood education in regional Australia.
