In tough economic times, with irregular working hours, finding affordable childcare is a constant dilemma for working parents.
Shift workers find it particularly difficult.
They have welcomed the federal government's $5.5 million trial of overnight and weekend childcare for police and nurses, starting in July.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
The trial comes as the City of Sydney Council is considering a proposal for evening childcare so that parents can spend a night out at the theatre.
Overnight and weekend care will be made available to Victorian and NSW police at six sites, and to Queensland nurses and paramedics at six locations.
Long day care will also be extended at six trial sites around the country for 12 months, and out-of-school-hours care expanded to more locations as part of a 15-month trial.
