The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

More than 1 million Australians have no access to childcare in their area

  • Written by Peter Hurley, Policy Fellow, Mitchell Institute, Victoria University
More than 1 million Australians have no access to childcare in their area

About 9 million Australians, 35% of the population, live in neighbourhoods classified as childcare deserts[1] – populated areas where there are more than three children per childcare place.

In the first research of its kind in Australia, the Mitchell Institute has examined access to childcare[2] in more than 50,000 neighbourhoods across the country.

We found about 1.1 million Australians live in regional and remote areas where there is no childcare available at all.

The map below shows the accessibility of childcare across Australia. Areas in orange and red indicate suburbs more likely to have childcare deserts. Areas of blue indicate where there is greater relative supply.

There are childcare deserts in all states and territories, and in all capital cities.

For instance, Avoca, in Victoria’s Central Highlands, has no childcare places at all. This means 100% of the population live in a childcare desert. In Leinster, around 300km north of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, there are 5.62 children for every childcare place, and 79% of the population live in a childcare desert.

Blue areas on our map, which represent places with the best access to childcare, are mostly concentrated in metropolitan areas and the eastern states. Queensland has some of the highest childcare availability in the country, but even here there are large differences between particular areas.

For instance, Rockhampton has relatively high levels of childcare accessibility, with roughly one childcare place for every two children ok to rephrase?. But in the nearby town of Yeppoon, about 63% of people live in a childcare desert.

Childcare deserts are more likely to be in regional areas

Australians living outside major cities are more likely to be living in an area we classify as a childcare desert.

In rural and regional areas, childcare deserts may mean a total absence of services, or too few places available to meet the potential demand. The impact of this means families may need to travel a lot further to access childcare.

Childcare deserts are an issue in metropolitan areas too. More than 5.3 million Australians who live in major cities, or about 29%, are in areas we classify as childcare deserts.

Families living in deserts in major cities may still be able to access childcare, but they may have to travel further or face more competition for available places.

Disadvantaged areas have less access to childcare

We also looked at the socioeconomic status of neighbourhoods[3] to examine how relative disadvantage and advantage affects access to childcare.

We found for neighbourhoods in the lower 60% of socioeconomic status, the median childcare accessibility is around 0.35-0.37 places per child. This is below the national median of 0.38 places per child.

Within the top 40% of neighbourhoods by socioeconomic status, as advantage increases so does the median number of childcare places available per child.

Neighbourhoods in the 10% most advantaged areas have the best access to childcare, with one place for every 2.17 children on average. ok to rephrase here too?

High-quality early childhood education and care enables children, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds[4], to succeed later in life.

Our findings suggests that, overall, it is the children and families who would benefit most from high quality childcare who have the least access.

There is greater access where there are higher fees

Part of the reason for greater access in more advantaged areas is because Australia’s childcare system encourages providers to go where there is the lowest risk and the greatest reward.

One way of illustrating this is to explore the correlation between price and accessibility.

We examined the relationship between the median cost per hour of childcare[5] and the average childcare places per child in the five major capital cities with a population over 1 million people.

We found areas with the greatest supply of childcare are also areas where providers charge higher fees.

For instance, the area of North Sydney and Mosman has the most expensive childcare in Australia, and also some of the highest levels of childcare accessibility in Greater Sydney. This compares with Mount Druitt[6] in Western Sydney which has some of the cheapest childcare in Greater Sydney, but where 89% of the population live in a childcare desert.

This suggests there is an incentive for providers to operate in advantaged areas where they can charge higher fees, even if there is greater competition. This leaves more disadvantaged areas with lower levels of childcare accessibility.

Childcare access linked to female workforce participation

One of the many functions of childcare is to enable greater workforce participation, particularly for women.

We found regions with lower access to childcare also have lower workforce participation rates for women with young children. The inverse can also be seen – regions where more childcare places are available have higher rates of women in the workforce.

For instance, the ACT has some of the highest childcare accessibility and highest levels of workforce participation of mothers with young children. Rural areas[7] such as South East Tasmania, and outback Northern Territory are in childcare deserts and have some of the lowest levels in the country of mothers with young children in the workforce.

The reasons for this association are complex. Lower levels of female workforce participation in an area will affect demand for childcare. It may also be that difficulty in accessing childcare leads parents and carers to choose not to work while their children are young.

Investing in Australia’s early childhood education and care sector

Research from Victoria University shows investment in childcare almost pays for itself[8], largely due to higher workforce participation.

Other research highlights Australia can get the most out of childcare[9] by making it more affordable, reforming parental leave and better linking the early learning sector to the health system.

Australians deserve much better access to childcare and a system that supports families to make the decisions they believe is best for them.

Most importantly, children need a system that meets their needs so that they can have the best start in life, regardless of where they live or the income of their parents.

References

  1. ^ childcare deserts (www.americanprogress.org)
  2. ^ examined access to childcare (www.vu.edu.au)
  3. ^ the socioeconomic status of neighbourhoods (www.abs.gov.au)
  4. ^ disadvantaged backgrounds (heckmanequation.org)
  5. ^ the median cost per hour of childcare (www.dese.gov.au)
  6. ^ Mount Druitt (www.abs.gov.au)
  7. ^ Rural areas (www.abs.gov.au)
  8. ^ investment in childcare almost pays for itself (www.vu.edu.au)
  9. ^ Australia can get the most out of childcare (cpd.org.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/more-than-1-million-australians-have-no-access-to-childcare-in-their-area-179557

The Times Features

From Classic to Contemporary: 5 Timeless Costumes for Any Party

When it comes to dressing up for a costume party, you want to choose something that is not only fun but also memorable. Whether you're attending a Halloween event, a themed gathe...

Action Figures as Art: The Growing Trend of Custom Figures and Modding

Action figures have long been regarded as collectible items, valued by enthusiasts and fans for their connection to popular culture. However, in recent years, a growing trend has...

The Ultimate Guide to Securing Grants for Your Small Business in Australia

Running a small business in Australia comes with both opportunities and challenges. While it can be rewarding, funding your business through the early stages or periods of growth...

Men’s Guide to Styling Suits with Sweaters for the Ultimate Winter Look

Winter brings a unique set of challenges when it comes to maintaining a sharp and stylish wardrobe. While suits are a staple of a well-dressed man’s closet, staying warm during t...

Discover the Charm of a Girl's White Dress

Key Highlights Timeless elegance: White dresses feel pure and have classic charm. They are perfect for many types of events. Versatile styles: You can pick from lace, embroid...

Top Medical Grade Red Light Therapy Devices in Australia

Key Highlights Lumitter™ has advanced red light therapy devices that combine new ideas with wellness. Red light therapy helps lower pain and swelling and boosts skin health. ...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping