FEAR & GREED | Business News Q+A: Why universal childcare matters for business
Sep 4, 2025
Georgie Dent, CEO of The Parenthood and an advocate for family-friendly policies, dives into universal childcare's vital role in Australia. She discusses how quality early childhood education boosts workforce participation and economic stability. Georgie examines the benefits for families and businesses alike, and critiques current funding systems, comparing Australia's models with Canada’s. Her insights underscore the need for a cohesive funding approach to enhance accessibility and quality in childcare.
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Childcare As Public Infrastructure
- Universal childcare treats early education like schools or hospitals as public infrastructure available to all children by right.
- Georgie Dent argues this expands opportunities for children and eases constraints on parents and communities.
Problems With The Subsidy Model
- The current childcare subsidy in Australia is inefficient and disconnected from price, supply and quality outcomes.
- Dent says this funding model drives up out-of-pocket costs, creates postcode-based supply gaps, and fails to improve quality.
Fund Services Directly Not Via Subsidies
- Fund early childhood services directly rather than via means-tested subsidies to ensure universal access and consistent quality.
- Direct funding would encourage services in all communities and make care affordable while supporting staff investment.