Border childcare providers struggling with a sharp downturn in numbers have had a mixed reaction to the announcement of free care for families during the coronavirus pandemic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Operators were on Thursday closely examining the federal government's plans to give about a million families free services.
The government will pay half of provider's fees to remain open, if operators don't charge parents.
One Albury provider was in tears when contacted by The Border Mail following the announcement, which she labelled "very stressful".
"They're asking us to keep open, but we can't charge," she said.
"So who is paying for the childcare?
"They're not paying the whole amount, they're giving us 50 per cent.
"We're not sure if it's the total fee, or 50 per cent of the gap fee.
"They're taking our revenue and providing us with half - it's really bad, they're not supporting us in any way, shape or form."
Lavington Occasional Childcare director Suellen Wynd was more optimistic.
She said 95 per cent of children had withdrawn from the service in the past two weeks.
Regulations meant there has to be a minimum of five staff working, despite only five children being cared for in recent days.
"We've lost over 60 per cent of our families," she said.
"Keeping wages afloat when there's less money coming in has been very difficult.
"Making it free for families, and us getting 50 per cent, will certainly make a difference.
"Everyone is struggling.
"We would have to close within a month if things kept going the way they are."
Moorefield Park Childcare Centre director Christy Pietila also said it would be positive for the community.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"We'd like to know the ins and outs of it," she said.
"We have had a drop in numbers."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the plan supported families while allowing providers to remain open.
"These services are vital for so many parents so they can provide for their family, and children need as much familiarity and continuity as we can help provide at this unsettling time," he said.
"Priority will be given to working parents, vulnerable and disadvantaged children that need early education more than ever and parents with pre-existing enrolments."
The sector is expected to receive $1.6 billion in the next three months from taxpayer subsidies, an increase of about $300 million.
The changes will come in effect on Monday.
The Australian Childcare Alliance recently called for government intervention in sector, which it warned was at risk of collapse due to mass withdrawals.
