"From the prime minister right down, there is an appetite to do more in that regard when we can afford to do so."
— Treasurer Jim Chalmers
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has confirmed the government remains committed to pursuing universal childcare, but only once the nation's budget allows for it.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly stated a goal of making childcare accessible and affordable for all Australian children. However, the government has been forced to reprioritize its agenda due to the war in Iran, rising inflation, and global instability.
Chalmers stressed that achieving a fully universal system will take time. He pointed to the already-implemented three-day guarantee of subsidized care as a significant step in the right direction.
"In recognising that it will take time to get to a system which is more universal, we shouldn't lightly dismiss the steps that we have already taken."