Federal liberal backbencher, Jackie Kelly says the opposition takes childcare more seriously than the coalition and the government has missed an opportunity in last week's budget.
The budget included removing the limit of funded places through the government's childcare benefit scheme, in an attempt to provide 25-thousand additional places over four years.
Ms Kelly says she wants to meet with the Prime Minister about the matter.
Speaking from Washington, Mr Howard has defended the government's childcare policy.
“I think the child care policies of the government are far superior than the labours. But I am always happy to talk to my colleagues.” Mr Howard told reporters.