Category: MIL-OSI

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Tasmania Police to honour Constable Keith Smith with funeral procession and guard of honour

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Tasmania Police to honour Constable Keith Smith with funeral procession and guard of honour

Wednesday, 25 June 2025 – 12:57 pm.

This Friday, Tasmania Police will farewell Constable Keith Smith with full ceremonial honours in recognition of his dedicated service and the lasting impact he made both on and off duty.
Western District Commander Stuart Wilkinson said community members are warmly invited to pay their respects after the funeral service.
“While the service itself is not open to the public, we encourage members of the community to line the streets and join us in paying tribute to Keith as he makes his final journey,” he said.
“After the service, Tasmania Police members will march in a funeral procession from the Paranaple Centre through the Guard of Honour along Victoria Parade.”
“The procession will then continue to Ulverstone and pass through Victoria and Reibey Streets.”
“The outpouring of kindness and support from across Tasmania and beyond over recent days has been deeply moving,” Commander Wilkinson said.
“Keith was a proud member of Tasmania Police who was deeply respected by his colleagues and his community. His service and spirit will not be forgotten.”
A live stream of the funeral will be available online.
Community members are encouraged to observe the procession at the following times:

Devonport (from 2:30 pm): Members of the public are encouraged to line Victoria Parade (from Nicholls Street) as the procession travels along Bluff Road, up to William Street.
Ulverstone (from 3:30 pm): The procession will travel past Ulverstone Police Station along Victoria Street, turn into Reibey Street, and continue to Kings Parade.

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10 lesser-known walks to try in the ACT

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Discover the London Bridge Arch on a walk in the Googong Foreshores area.

In brief:

  • This article lists lesser-known walks in the ACT.
  • This article lists easy, moderate and more difficult walks.

Canberrans are lucky to live among so many reserves, parks and green spaces.

Tucked away in these spaces are great walking trails that you may not have discovered yet.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or like to catch up with friends while taking a stroll, we’ve rounded up 10 lesser-known local walks to try.

Church Rock Heritage Loop

This 2.5km (one hour) signed heritage walk is in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Start your adventure at Flints picnic area, where you will walk through Flints homestead site and around Church Rock.

The walk has short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. It’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels, but some bushwalking experience is recommended.

London Bridge Walk

This easy 4.5km circuit is in the Googong Foreshores area.

The track takes you through the woodlands to the London Bridge Arch – an incredible geological formation that’s over 20,000 years old – before following the valley to London Bridge Homestead.

Both the arch and the homestead are heritage-listed sites, so remember not to climb on the arch, enter the caves or swim in the surrounding creek.

Start your walk at the London Bridge Woolshed carpark.

Mount Arawang Loop

This is a short 3.5km (one hour) return walk on the Canberra Centenary Trail.

Mount Arawang is the highest point on Cooleman Ridge. Ascend through bird-rich bushland before reaching the trig point, which has beautiful views of Brindabella Mountains.

The walk requires no experience and has a formed track but has short steep sections and many steps.

Start the loop at the Namatjira Drive entry to Cooleman Ridge Park at Ballarat Street for easy access.

Mount Gingera

This walking track is in Namadgi National Park. At 1,847 metres, Mount Gingera is ACT’s second highest peak.

This walk is difficult and recommended for experienced bushwalkers. The uphill walk is worth it, rewarding hikers with beautiful views at the top.

We recommend not attempting the walk during winter as weather can change quickly in the mountains and access roads may be closed or become unsafe.

Distance:

  • 14.5 km return from Mt Franklin Road (six hours)
  • If walking via Stockyard Spur, start on Corin Road (eight to nine hours).

Image: Molonglo Gorge

Molonglo Gorge

The Molonglo Gorge is 3km long and 15-million years old, and you can walk its full length.

The 6.5km (return) track climbs cliffs and skirts waterline to the Blue Tiles picnic area.

The gorge is also an important wildlife corridor, so keep an eye out for rare woodland birds.

Enter from the picnic area off Sutton Road, with parking available at the Molonglo Gorge recreation area.

Mount McDonald Summit Track

Discover a new side of the Cotter.

This moderate track curves through open woodlands to the summit of Mount McDonald. At the top, you will be rewarded with great views of Canberra, the Murrumbidgee River and Brindabella Range.

Distance:

  • 3.8km return via Cotter Catchment Lookout Track (two hours)
  • 5.2 km return via management trail (three hours)

Image: Settlers Track

Settlers Track

Located in the Namadgi National Park, this track takes walkers back in time.

Experience huts, homesteads and other historic sites from the 19th and 20th centuries.

We recommend not attempting the walk during winter as weather can change quickly in the mountains and access roads may be closed or become unsafe.

Distance:

  • 6km loop from Boboyan Road (four hours)
  • 9km loop via Waterhole Hut from Boboyan Road (five hours).

This walk is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, though some bushwalking experience is recommended.

Image: Tong’s Hole

Tong’s Hole

This walk is a hidden secret down the road from Shepherd’s Lookout.

The trail starts at the end of Stockdill Drive and takes you down through stands of Black Cypress Pine to the scenic Molonglo River.

It’s a great spot to see raptors and stunning river views.

This moderate 1km return walk takes about one hour. It’s easily accessible from Stockdill Drive, 3km south-west from Ginninderry.

Oakey Hill Nature Reserve Loop

Enjoy an easy 2.4-km loop walk through Oakey Hill Nature Reserve.

The reserve is a 65-hectare protected area between the suburbs of Lyons and Weston in the Woden Valley.

You can access the reserve:

  • on its western side via an underpass beneath the Tuggeranong Parkway
  • on its northern side from Heysen Street
  • on its eastern side from numerous points in Lyons.

Image: Wanniassa Hills

Wanniassa Hills Nature Reserve Track

This hidden gem is just down the road from Mount Taylor.

The walk up the mountain is 2.62km return and has great sweeping views at the top.

It is accessible from Erindale Drive and from the suburbs of Fadden and Macarthur.

The reserve is great for:

  • birdwatching
  • views of southern Canberra
  • wildflower displays especially in spring.

Before you go

Respect reserves by:

  • staying on the tracks to minimise your impact
  • taking your rubbish home with you
  • leaving what you find, including plants, animals, rocks and timber (dead and alive)
  • respecting the area’s heritage – leave cultural sites undisturbed
  • collecting and responsibly disposing of your dog’s droppings (where dogs are permitted)
  • cleaning your outdoor gear, including bicycles, to avoid spreading weeds and disease.

Stay safe by:

  • bringing your own drinking water
  • dressing appropriately for the weather- making sure you rug up if it’s cold or layering clothing
  • carrying a mobile phone, especially if you are on your own
  • letting someone know where you are going and when you’ll return
  • being weather alert – reserves and roads may close if there are severe weather conditions. Check the Parks ACT website before travelling.

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ACCC authorises collaboration to improve the sustainability of cash-in-transit services

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has issued a determination granting authorisation with conditions to allow the Australian Banking Association Ltd (ABA), major banks, major retailers and supermarkets, Australia Post and other industry participants to collaborate on the future continuity of cash-in-transit services.

The authorisation allows the major banks and retailers to provide financial support to Armaguard and for the parties to discuss, agree and implement operational sustainability and efficiency measures across the services provided by Armaguard’s cash-in-transit business to those banks and retailers.

The authorisation also allows the parties to develop, but not implement, an independent pricing mechanism in respect of their cash services agreements with Armaguard.

“We consider that the conduct would be likely to reduce the risk of disruption to Armaguard’s cash-in-transit services in the immediate future, while the increased sustainability of those services would support ongoing access to cash across Australia,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

“This is a significant public benefit.”

The ACCC considers that, with the conditions set out in this determination, the conduct is likely to result in minimal public detriments.

“This decision will increase future consultation in the cash-in-transit industry,” Mr Keogh said.

“The ABA is now required to ensure that an independent expert will conduct reasonable consultation with stakeholders in the development of an independent pricing mechanism proposal.”

Further information about the ACCC’s final determination is available on the authorisations public register.

Note to editors

The ACCC’s role is to consider requests for exemptions from competition laws that may be breached to enable competitors to collaborate on such arrangements.

ACCC authorisation provides statutory protection from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).

Broadly, s 91 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) allows the ACCC to grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.

Background

Cash-in-transit services involve providing cash transport, management, and processing services. These services are provided to banks, retailers, and independent ATM operators.

On 13 June 2023, the ACCC granted merger authorisation to Armaguard and Prosegur Australia to combine their cash distribution, management and other businesses in Australia, and accepted a court-enforceable undertaking, which is a condition of the merger authorisation. Following this merger, Armaguard became the major supplier of cash-in-transit services in Australia.

On 27 May 2024, the ACCC granted authorisation with conditions to the ABA, the Customer Owned Banking Association, banks, retailers and other industry participants to allow them to develop responses to support the distribution of cash across Australia. 

On 3 July 2024, the ACCC granted interim authorisation with a condition to allow the ANZ Bank, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, Westpac, Australia Post, Coles, Wesfarmers and Woolworths (the Funding Parties) to provide financial contributions to Armaguard. 

On 12 September 2024, the ACCC revoked the interim authorisation dated 3 July 2024 and granted a new interim authorisation for an expanded range of conduct with 4 conditions.

On 11 December 2024, the ACCC issued a draft determination proposing to grant authorisation with conditions until 30 June 2026. Also on 11 December 2024, the ACCC revoked the interim authorisation with conditions dated 12 September 2024 and granted a new interim authorisation with amended conditions.

On 25 June 2025, the ACCC granted authorisation with 6 conditions which broadly require:

  • the ABA provide regular reports to the ACCC, Reserve Bank and Treasury about discussions, developments and decisions made under the authorisation relating to operational sustainability and Efficiency Measures and the Independent Pricing Mechanism, including any consultation undertaken
  • prior to any operational sustainability and Efficiency Measures being implemented, the ABA to provide a report to the ACCC, the RBA and Treasury which describes the measure in detail and sets out the consultation undertaken with other parties (smaller ABA members, COBA, IGA/Metcash, the Australian Hotels Association and Clubs Australia) about the measure including its potential impact on the accessibility of cash in regional and remote areas
  • discussions, contracts, arrangements or understandings regarding any operational sustainability and Efficiency Measure and/or Independent Pricing Mechanism to occur at, in preparation for, or arise out of, a meeting, meetings or communications of the ABA Weekly Cash SteerCo or a meeting involving the Reserve Bank or Treasury
  • the ABA to ensure that Deloitte (or any alternative independent facilitator) conducts reasonable consultation with specified parties in respect of the development of the Independent Pricing Mechanism prior to any in-principle agreement.

The authorisation made on 25 June 2025 does not extend to the implementation of any pricing proposal. A further application for authorisation of implementation of the pricing proposal is anticipated once agreement between the Funding parties and Armaguard is reached on the proposal.

A separate application lodged by the ABA relating to cash-in-transit sustainability measures and business continuity measures remains before the ACCC for consideration.

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UPDATE: Arrest – Indecent Assaults – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Detectives from Southern Investigations have arrested a youth in relation to multiple indecent assaults in Alice Springs last week.

On 20 June 2025, police received reports of an indecent assault on a female jogging along the Todd River by a male travelling on a bike.

Following a call for information, three additional female victims came forward and alleged similar offending on the same day in the same area.

Investigators identified a 14-year-old male, who was arrested at a residence in Gillen earlier today and processed into custody. He is expected to be charged with:

  • 1 x Act of Gross Indecency without Consent
  • 3 x Indecent Touching or Act

Police would like to thank the victims who came forward and provided vital information and would continue to urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and reference job number NTP2500062998.

You can also anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Shared e-scooter and e-bike providers invited to operate in the ACT

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services




Shared e-scooter and e-bike providers invited to operate in the ACT – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate















As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 25/06/2025

Providers of shared e-scooter and e-bike services will soon be able to apply for a permit to operate in the ACT.

From Wednesday 2 July 2025, a competitive permit application process will open to all interested shared e-scooter and e-bike providers.

“The ACT Government is renewing its shared micromobility program to ensure ongoing, high-quality services that meet the diverse transport needs of our community and support our mode shift goals,” said Kirra Cox, Executive Branch Manager, Strategic Policy and Programs.

“The ACT Government enabled shared pedal bikes from 2018 to 2023, and shared e-scooters have been operating since 2020. E-scooters have proven popular in the ACT, with around 1,650 trips per day taken since the scheme began.

“This renewal is an opportunity to refresh our program with new approaches, services and devices – including the potential introduction of shared e-bikes, which can be ridden longer distances and may better suit some riders who are less comfortable using e-scooters.”

Prospective providers will need to demonstrate how they will meet the ACT Government’s objectives, as outlined in the recently updated Dockless Shared Micromobility Policy for the ACT. These objectives include:

  • Ensuring the safety of users and non-users alike
  • Seamlessly integrating Canberra’s broader transport system
  • Contributing to a mode shift away from private vehicles trips
  • Promoting affordable and equitable access
  • Delivering economic and environmental benefits
  • Supporting community outcomes through collaborative design

Depending on the proposals received, the ACT Government may issue one or more permits for a three-year period.

An industry briefing will be held on Tuesday 8 July 2025, and the application process will formally close on Friday 1 August 2025. Successful applicant(s) are expected to commence operations in spring 2025.

Providers interested in receiving an application package should register their interest by emailing TCCS.Sharedmicromobility@act.gov.au. Application documentation will be provided on Wednesday 2 July 2025, when the permit application period officially opens.

For more information and to view the updated Dockless Shared Micromobility Policy for the ACT, visit the Transport Canberra website.

– Statement ends –

ACT Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate | Media Releases

Media Contacts

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

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From 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Fuel tax credit rates (non-business)

The following table contain the fuel tax credit rates for non-businesses from:

For more information on non-profit organisations, refer to Non-profit emergency vehicles and vessels.

Table 1: Rates for fuel acquired from 1 July 2025 to 3 August 2025

Eligible fuel type

Used in heavy emergency vehicles for travelling on public roads

Used in heavy emergency vehicles to power auxiliary equipment; emergency vessels; emergency vehicles; domestic electricity generation

Liquid fuels – for example, diesel or petrol
Unit: cents per litre

18.4(see note 3)

50.8

Blended fuels: B5, B20, E10
Unit: cents per litre

18.4(see note 3)

50.8

Blended fuel: E85
Unit: cents per litre

0 (see note 3)

21.73

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) (duty paid)
Unit: cents per litre

0 (see note 3)

16.6(see note 1)

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) (duty paid)
Unit: cents per kilogram

0 (see note 4)

34.8(see note 2)

Note 1: Fuel tax credits can’t be claimed for duty paid LPG supplied for domestic electricity generation if the fuel tax credits have already been claimed by the supplier or packager.

Note 2: Fuel tax credits can rarely be claimed for LNG and CNG supplied for domestic electricity generation as they are rarely duty paid.

Note 3: Fuel tax credit rates change for liquid fuel used in a heavy vehicle for travelling on a public road due to changes in the road user charge, which increases by 6% each year over 3 years, from:

  • 28.8 cents per litre in 2023–24, to
  • 30.5 cents per litre in 2024–25, and to
  • 32.4 cents per litre in 2025–26.

Fuel tax credits are reduced to nil where the road user charge exceeds the fuel tax credit rate.

Note 4: Fuel tax credit rates change for gaseous fuels due to changes in the road user charge, which increases by 6% each year over 3 years, from:

  • 38.5 cents per kilogram in 2023–24, to
  • 40.8 cents per kilogram in 2024–25, and to
  • 43.2 cents per kilogram in 2025–26.

Currently, the road user charge reduces fuel tax credits for gaseous fuels to nil.

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Bioplastic breakthrough: sustainable cooling film could slash building energy use amid rising global temperatures

Source:

25 June 2025

An illustration of the bioplastic metafilm developed by UniSA and Zhengzhou University researchers,  proposed as a next-generation material for sustainable cooling

An international team of scientists has developed a biodegradable material that could slash global energy consumption without using any electricity, according to a new study published today.

The bioplastic metafilm – that can be applied to buildings, equipment and other surfaces – passively cools temperatures by as much as 9.2°C during peak sunlight and reflects almost 99% of the sun’s rays.

Developed by researchers from Zhengzhou University in China and the University of South Australia (UniSA), the new film is a sustainable and long-lasting material that could reduce building energy consumption by up to 20% a year in some of the world’s hottest cities.

The material is described in the latest issue of Cell Reports Physical Science.

UniSA PhD candidate Yangzhe Hou says the cooling metafilm represents a breakthrough in sustainable materials engineering that could help combat rising global temperatures and hotter cities.

“Our metafilm offers an environmentally friendly alternative to air-conditioning, which contributes significantly to carbon emissions,” says Hou, who is also from Zhengzhou University.

“The material reflects nearly all solar radiation and theoretically allows internal building heat to emit directly into outer space. This enables the building to stay cool, even under direct sunlight.”

Notably, the film continues to perform even after prolonged exposure to acidic conditions and ultraviolet light – two major barriers that have historically hindered similar biodegradable materials.

Constructed from polylactic acid (PLA) – a common plant-derived bioplastic – the metafilm is fabricated using a low-temperature separation technique that reflects 98.7% of sunlight and minimises heat gain.

“Unlike conventional cooling technologies, this metafilm requires no electricity or mechanical systems,” says co-author Dr Xianhu Liu from Zhengzhou University.

“Most existing passive radiative cooling systems rely on petrochemical-based polymers or ceramics that raise environmental concerns. By using biodegradable PLA, we are presenting a green alternative that offers high solar reflectance, strong thermal emission, sustainability, and durability.”

In real-world applications, the metafilm showed an average temperature drop of 4.9°C during the day and 5.1°C at night. Field tests conducted in both China and Australia confirmed its stability and efficiency under harsh environmental conditions. Even after 120 hours in strong acid and the equivalent of eight months’ outdoor UV exposure, the metafilm retained cooling power of up to 6.5°C.

Perhaps most significantly, the simulations revealed that the metafilm could cut annual energy consumption by up to 13.1% in cities such as Sydney by reducing dependence on air conditioning.

“This isn’t just a lab-scale success” says co-author Professor Jun Ma from the University of South Australia.

“Our film is scalable and completely degradable,” he says.

“This research aims to contribute to sustainable development by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and exploring feasible pathways to improve human comfort while minimising environmental impact.”

The discovery addresses a major challenge in the field: how to reconcile high-performance cooling with eco-friendly degradation.

The researchers are now exploring potential applications in buildings, transport, agriculture, electronics, and the biomedical field including cooling wound dressings.

‘A structural bioplastic metafilm for durable passive radiative cooling’ is published in Cell Reports Physical Science and is authored by Yangzhe Hou, Yamin Pan, Xianhu Liu, Jun Ma, Chuntai Liu and Changyu Shen. DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102664

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Contacts for interview:

Researchers:

Yangzhe Hou E: yangzhe.hou@unisa.edu.au;

Prof Jun Ma E: jun.ma@unisa.edu.au

Prof Xianhu Liu E: Xianhu.Liu@zzu.edu.cn

Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

Other articles you may be interested in

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Dendy pays penalties for alleged ‘drip pricing’ practices

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Dendy Cinema Pty Ltd has paid a $19,800 penalty after the ACCC issued it with an infringement notice for allegedly failing to prominently show the total price, as a single figure, of movie tickets it sold online, in a practice commonly known as ‘drip-pricing’.

The ACCC alleges that Dendy breached the Australian Consumer Law by failing to prominently display the total single price for tickets, including the unavoidable per ticket booking fee, at the earliest opportunity in the booking process.

Instead, Dendy displayed prices that did not include the unavoidable per ticket booking fee, and did not display a total price for tickets until consumers reached the final stages of the online transaction.

“Businesses must be upfront about the total minimum quantifiable price of a product or service,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Consumers are sometimes lured into purchases they would not otherwise have made when businesses display only part of the price upfront and reveal the total price only towards the end of the purchasing process.

“By initially only displaying part of the total price for a movie ticket, Dendy has reduced the ability of consumers to make an informed purchasing decision,” Ms Lowe said.

The ACCC is also looking at pricing practices in the cinema industry more broadly to ensure that per ticket booking fees are being presented in a way that complies with the pricing obligations under the Australian Consumer Law.

“We encourage all businesses to review their online pricing practices to ensure they are complying with their obligations under the law, including providing the total minimum quantifiable price of products and services in their advertising and at the earliest opportunity in the booking process,” Ms Lowe said.

One of the ACCC’s Compliance and Enforcement Priorities for 2025-26 is ‘misleading surcharging practices and other add on costs’.

Further information about pricing is available on the ACCC website at Price Displays.

Background

Dendy operates 52 screens across six cinemas in NSW, QLD, and the ACT.

The total minimum quantifiable price is the lowest amount that a consumer could pay, including any mandatory fees or pre-selected optional fees, that can be determined at the time of stating the price.

In November 2024, the ACCC took legal action against online travel booking site Webjet Marketing Pty Ltd for allegedly making false and misleading representations to consumers about flight prices and bookings. The ACCC alleged Webjet breached the Australian Consumer Law when it made statements about the minimum price of airfares which omitted compulsory fees.

Note to editors

The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain consumer protection provisions in the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the ACL. The ACL sets the penalty amount.

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Aussie uni commencements bounce back big time

Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

After years of decline, the number of Australians getting a crack at university are bouncing back.

When you take out the two COVID years, this year looks set to be the biggest year for Australians commencing an undergraduate or postgraduate university degree on record.

Preliminary data for 2024 shows around 390,000 domestic students began a degree – a 3.7 per cent increase on 2023.

This includes more than 20,000 new starters in nursing degrees (a 3 per cent increase) and more than 25,000 new starters in teaching degrees (a 9 per cent increase).

Early, year to date figures for 2025 suggest that growth is continuing with commencements up another 3 per cent compared to the same time in 2024.

This reverses the trend seen since 2017, excluding the COVID years, where the number of domestic students commencing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree have been steadily falling.

Source: Higher Education Statistics – Student Data

Notes: 2024 data are preliminary. Final, official statistics may vary. 2025 data are a preliminary forecast based on year-to-date (YTD) May 2025 data.  Final, full year 2025 data may differ if YTD May growth is not sustained at previous levels throughout the academic year.

In addition, over 14,000 students have taken up Fee-Free Uni Ready courses this year.

Fee-Free Uni Ready courses are short courses that help prepare people for university, acting as a bridge between school or work and higher education.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

‘We need more people with more skills. That means more people finishing schools and more people going to TAFE or uni, or both.

“The Universities Accord sets a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification.

“To hit that target, we need to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds, from the regions and the outer suburbs from getting a crack at uni and succeeding when they get there.

“That requires reform across the entire education system. That’s what the fully funding of our public schools is about. It’s also what the new funding system for our universities, that will roll out next year, is about.

“That will deliver demand-driven funding for equity students and needs based funding ensuring students get the academic and wrap-around supports they need to succeed at university.”

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More than $7,000 cut in child care costs as cheaper child care delivers cost of living relief

Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

Two years in, more than 1 million Australian families have benefited from the Albanese Government’s Cheaper Child Care, delivering real cost of living relief to household budgets.

For a family earning $168,000, with one child in care 30 hours a week, Cheaper Child Care has cut out of pocket costs by around $7,440 than they otherwise would be.

This is good for children, good for families, and good for Australia.

Since the 2022 election there are 1,200 more early education services, around 95,000 more children in early education and around 48,000 more early childhood workers, but there is more work to do. 

The Albanese Labor Government is rolling out a 15 per cent pay rise to early educators and capping fee increases for families.

The Government will also implement the 3 Day Guarantee which will replace the current Activity Test from January 2026 with guaranteed 3 days a week of access to the Child Care Subsidy.

Eligible families earning between $50,000 and $100,000 are expected to save on average $1,460 per year under the 3 Day Guarantee.

Under the 3 Day Guarantee, more than 100,000 families will be entitled to more hours of subsidised education and care.

The Government will also roll out the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, which will boost access to early education and care in areas of need, including in the outer suburbs and regional Australia.

This builds on the new, mandatory child safety measures to strengthen child safety in early childhood education and care services.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“We have made child care cheaper for more than 1 million families. 

“We are delivering a 15 per cent pay rise to build the early education workforce. 

“And next year we will roll out the 3 Day Guarantee to give more families access to the Child Care Subsidy.  

“This is a key part of our plans to build a universal early education system.” 
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Jess Walsh:

“We are delivering more affordable early education and care so that children and families can benefit.

“Easing the family budget is one of the key parts of our reforms to create affordable, accessible and quality early learning.

“The 3 Day Guarantee will provide at least three days of subsidies for early education for families eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, that would otherwise be locked out.”