Some of the country’s largest employers have met to discuss the future of affordable and flexible childcare for working parents.

 

Federal Minister for Early Childhood and Child Care, Kate Ellis, joined representatives from some of the largest companies in Australia, including Boeing, CSL, Qantas, Blue Scope, Sony and Telstra at the Australian Industry Group Employer Roundtable in Sydney.

 

Ms Ellis said it was crucial for employers to actively participate and contribute to the debate on the future of childcare in the country.

 

“The structures and expectations of our workplaces have changed dramatically, meaning our child care needs have also changed. In many cases it means they have become more complicated,” Ms Ellis said.

 

“This is not just a challenge for parents and governments. Employers must also be part of the solution.

 

Ms Ellis said the evidence was growing on the high return on investment in quality early childhood education and care and it was a vital policy area to meet Australia’s long term productivity goals.

 

“Investment in quality early childhood education and care is an investment in the long-term well-being and prosperity of our nation, so business has a key interest.”