Every child is now guaranteed three days of subsidised childcare, but there's a catch for rural families.

IN SHORT:

- From January 5, 2026, all children are guaranteed three days of subsidised early learning per week.

- The new guarantee replaces the former activity test that excluded thousands of families.

- Member for Barwon Roy Butler says lack of centres in the region remains a major problem.

The three-day childcare guarantee now in effect for all families

A new federal subsidy removes work test, but access to centres remains challenge in Barwon electorate, according to the local MP.

Every child who needs it is now guaranteed access to at least three days of subsidised early learning per week, following the introduction of a new federal government policy on January 5, 2026.

The guarantee replaces the former Child Care Subsidy activity test, which previously required parents to meet work, training, study or volunteering requirements to access subsidised care.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler welcomed the change in his weekly newsletter, describing it as a significant win for children, families and educators across the region.

“The first five years of a child's life are so important. Studies have shown that children who have access to early learning in those first five years have better outcomes as an adult," Mr Butler said.

"The former activity test unfairly excluded thousands of families from accessing the care they needed."

"The three-day guarantee is designed to ensure all children can benefit from early learning opportunities, regardless of their family circumstances."

However, Mr Butler highlighted that while the subsidy change addresses one barrier to early childhood education, it doesn't solve the fundamental challenge facing families across Hay, Balranald, Carrathool and Central Darling shires, the shortage of centres providing the service.

"This guarantee of three days subsidised learning is a good start, but another major problem with early childhood learning in Barwon is the lack of access to centres providing it," he said.

"That is something we are continuing to work on with the state and federal governments."

The shortage of early learning centres in rural and regional areas has been an ongoing issue, with communities struggling to establish and maintain services due to staffing challenges and sustainability concerns.

Families can find more details about the subsidy and eligibility at education.gov.au/early-childhood/providers/child-care-subsidy/3-day-guarantee.

The policy change comes as the Balranald Early Learning Centre transitions to new management under LiveBetter, with plans to expand from three to five days per week, subject to recruiting staff.