Proposed changes to childcare funding could undermine quality in what is already a chronically underfunded sector, unions and carers say.
A Productivity Commission draft report calls for an extra $1 billion a year to go into child care, as well as opening up subsidies for qualified family members who look after children.
But it also recommended removing the requirements for some carers to have degrees or diplomas. It found "little compelling evidence" that carers for children under three needed higher education qualifications.
United Voice acting national secretary David O'Byrne said qualifications were crucial to making sure children got the best education in their key developmental years.
He welcomed the recommended simplification of the payment system, but questioned why educators teaching children under three years old would no longer need a degree.
"Children need these early learning specialists who are trained in and understand children's learning so they get the best start in life," Mr O'Byrne told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Helen Coffey, director of childcare centre Monash Community Family Co-operative, said it was hard to retain staff because wages were so low.
Mr O'Byrne said the lack of a career path undermined quality in the sector.
"We know the system is chronically underfunded," Mr O'Byrne said.
Parent Belinda Hatt said putting her two children in child care three days a week cost $600 - down to $300 with a government rebate.
She said proposed means testing of the rebate could affect her and her husband.
"I think we'd have to think about whether it was worth both of us participating in the workforce," Ms Hatt said.
Mr O'Byrne said the union supported universal access to quality child care, but would need to see the details of any proposed means test.
Share
