Support for families with nanny programme

FAMILIES who struggle to access affordable child care services will now be able get support to hire a nanny under a new pilot programme to be trialled by the Liberal National Government.This will be particularly beneficial for families in rural and regional areas, those who have children with special needs, and shift workers such as nurses, police officers, ambulance officers and firefighters.The $246 million two year Interim Home Based Carer Subsidy Programme will provide subsidised care for about 10,000 children, especially in middle to low income families.An hourly subsidy will be paid per child towards the cost of using a nanny. It will be paid directly to services and will be adjusted according to family income, consistent with the broader child care subsidy model soon to be announced.Nannies are not meant to replace mainstream child care services.Families and service providers will be able to apply for the pilot later this year and must meet approved guidelines.Nannies do not need formal educational qualifications, but must be attached to an approved service.The pilot will commence on 1 January 2016 and run until 31 December 2017.Find out more about the Interim Home Based Carer Subsidy Programme at www.dss.gov.au