‘EVERY PARENT’S WORST NIGHTMARE’: FAMILY FIRST DEMANDS CHILDCARE REFORM AFTER ABUSE CASES

By Renata Kelly

Family First is calling for significant changes to how childcare is funded, following multiple cases of abuse by workers in centres across Australia. Lyle Shelton, the party’s national director, says the system not only failed to protect children but also limits parental choice. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to have a trusted worker abuse a baby or toddler and upload images online—it’s horrific.”

The party wants childcare subsidies paid directly to parents, not just to centres. Shelton argues that this would give families more flexibility to decide how their children are cared for—whether in a centre, by a parent at home, or by a grandparent or nanny. He says many parents, especially mothers, would prefer to stay home with young children if they had financial support. “The system punishes families who don’t use formal care,” he said. “If the government is spending billions on childcare, that money should follow the parent, not just go to institutions.”

Family First is also pushing for income splitting between couples, allowing a single-income household to split income across both parents for tax purposes. Shelton says this would ease financial pressure on families with a stay-at-home parent and help make home-based care more affordable. He says the current tax setup discourages families from choosing arrangements that work best for them.

Family First is also pushing for income splitting between couples, allowing a single-income household to split income across both parents for tax purposes. Shelton says this would ease financial pressure on families with a stay-at-home parent and help make home-based care more affordable. He says the current tax setup discourages families from choosing arrangements that work best for them.

Click on the link below to listen to the full interview!