Abstract

Our latest report, in partnership with The Front Project, examines how Australia's childcare sector has evolved and the growing imbalances in service provision. Long Day Care (LDC) centres, which form the backbone of Australia's childcare system, have seen supply increase by 69% since 2013. However, this growth has been dominated by for-profit providers and is unevenly distributed. In low SES areas, there are 41% fewer LDC places than in high SES areas. Not-for-profit providers, who deliver higher quality care and charge lower fees on average, have seen their market share decline particularly in metropolitan and gentrifying areas. The report highlights the need for policy intervention to ensure quality and affordable childcare is available to all families.