Three Day Subsidy a Gamechanger for Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Families

6 January 2026 Latest News

The following text is lifted from an ACA Media Statement - Tuesday 6 January 2026:.

The Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) is celebrating the implementation of the Federal Government’s 3 Day Guarantee, with all children now having access to three days of subsidised early learning (childcare) per week.

It is a move which the ACA, along with other sector advocates, have called for over many years, in their commitment to ensuring that all families - including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children - have access to affordable, quality early learning.

The 3 Day Guarantee legislation was passed earlier in the year, as a key recommendation of the 2024 Inquiry into Australia’s early childhood education and care system by the Productivity Commission.

“This is an essential step which allows for the immediate delivery of universal childcare access. It’s a policy that benefits the children and families who need it the most and will receive the greatest gains from early learning participation. The evidence is clear - affordable access delivers great outcomes for children and ensures significant benefit for families and the economy.”

“For many families this will allow them the confidence to seek work knowing that their children have adjusted well into their early learning experience” Mr Mondo said.

The comments come as the Albanese Government has also committed $3 billion via a new pre-school funding agreement for the State Governments through to 2027.

“These commitments further emphasise the importance of participation in high quality early learning and will provide continuity for the sector, and families with young children around Australia,” Mr Mondo said.

The Australian Childcare Alliance is a not-for profit member based organisation working on behalf of long day care service owners and operators, as a reputable source of evidence-based advice to policy makers and a trusted source of practical guidance to service operators.