HOW THE GOVERNMENT WILL HELP WITH CHILDCARE FEES
* Scrap the existing complex system of payments including the Child Care Rebate (covers 50 per cent of fees up to annual cap of $7500) and the means-tested Child Care Benefit.
* Replace them with a single, means- and activity-tested subsidy.
* Activity test means both parents must work or study at least eight hours a fortnight.
* Payment covers 85 per cent of fees for families on $65,710 or less.
* Covers 50 per cent of fees for families on $170,710-$250,000.
* At this stage, covers 20 per cent of fees for families on $340,000 although senators David Leyonhjelm and Derryn Hinch say the government has agreed to scrap subsidies for wealthy families completely.
* Fee subsidies based on a set hourly rate ($11.55 centre-based day care, $10.70 family day care, $10.10 outside school hours care).
* No annual cap on subsidies for families on $185,710 and under.
* $10,000 annual cap on subsidies for families earning more than $185,710.
* A bonus subsidy for disadvantaged families, such as those with children at risk of abuse or neglect; those experiencing temporary financial hardship; grandparent carers on welfare.
* Starts on July 2, 2018.
* 1.2 million children from 843,000 families were in child care in 2016.
