The Albanese Government has locked in more affordable early education for about 5,100 local families in Darwin and Palmerston after laws to deliver the reforms passed the Parliament today.

The passing of the legislation means that from July next year around 96 per cent of families with a child in early childhood education and care will benefit.

The child care subsidy for families earning $80,000 or less will increase to 90 percent.

A family on a combined income of $120,000 with one child in care will be $1780 better off in the first year under the reforms.

This is delivering real cost of living relief while boosting productivity.

It means parents, especially mums, can work more paid hours if they want to.

That means more money in the pockets of families.

Treasury modelling shows that this will deliver the equivalent of up to 37,000 workers to the economy in the first year.

This is a big reform that is good for children, good for families and good for the economy.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“This is a great day for more than a million Australian families.

“Passing this legislation today delivers on our commitment to cut the cost of early education and care.

“The reforms the Albanese Government is delivering are good for children, good for families and good for the economy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly:

“The first five years of a child’s life are vital to brain development, that’s why we’re making early childhood education more affordable and boosting the number of subsidised hours available to First Nations families.

“These changes will provide household budget relief for families struggling with the rising cost of living, while also improving the economic security of women.

“More affordable early childhood education and care means more children can access the health and education benefits of foundation years learning.”

Quotes attributable to Luke Gosling, Member for Solomon:

“This delivers more affordable early education and care for about 5,100 families in Darwin and Palmerston.

“The Albanese Government promised more affordable early education at the election, and we’re delivering.

“From July, this means 96 per cent of families with children in early education will be better off, with more money in their pockets, and more parents – especially mums – able to engage in paid work if they want to.”