FEDERAL Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has welcomed the Abbott Government’s decision to restore $12.6 million Occasional Care funding cut by the previous Labor Government.

Mr Joyce said Occasional Care provided a vital service for many families who needed emergency or late notice care, particularly in regional, rural and remote communities.

 “The Abbott Government is committed to making child care more accessible, flexible and affordable and this is another important step towards achieving that,” he said.

“There are many reasons why families might need to access occasional care, such as casual work and last-minute shifts, illness, and other unexpected events that arise in the daily lives of busy families.

“This decision will particularly benefit the New England Electorate with its rural, regional and remote areas where seasonal work such as harvesting and shearing makes it difficult to secure a place in traditional child care options.

“It’s important for our nation’s economic prosperity that we have a child care system that supports greater workforce participation.

Preference will be given to occasional care services in regional, rural and remote areas in recognition of their unique challenges.                                                   

Mr Joyce said the Abbott Government’s broad ranging Productivity Commission Inquiry into child care was also addressing accessibility, flexibility and affordability issues. For more information visit www.education.gov.au.