Rural communities feel locked out of national childcare fund

Rural childcare advocates and outback councils argue their communities are being excluded from a national fund aimed at reducing childcare deserts. They claim the Building Early Education Fund's (BEEF) requirements don't align with rural communities' needs. Submissions to a Senate inquiry into regional, rural, and remote childcare services urge for a tailored policy for the outback.

Rural families in Australia's patchwork of childcare deserts are reportedly being left out of accessing new services, despite the federal government's pledge to build centers. The need to address the lack of early childhood education services was a top priority for the Albanese government during its 2025 election campaign; hence, the BEEF was launched in July to expand capabilities.

However, childcare advocates across regional Queensland believe the fund has kept rural areas away from financial assistance. Forums in Longreach and Blackall revealed how families and providers felt ignored, with no opportunity being sought for their communities. Ms Cochrane, a childcare advocate, noted that rural communities were not consulted.

She further explained that a video by federal Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh failed to address their concerns, stating that the minister said the fund was available, but no one was eligible for it. Rural areas often depend on centers managed by local councils, and under BEEF guidelines, those centers are not eligible to apply for funding.

Even a community-led non-profit center in Goondiwindi was rejected for eligibility. Federal Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh stated that the fund was designed to support high-quality, not-for-profit centers in areas without services. However, Tayla Jackson, a primary school teacher, shared her experience of living in a childcare desert.

She mentioned the financial strain caused by needing to care for her son one day a week. Similar worries have prompted advocates to demand a policy addressing the challenges of providing childcare in the outback. A Senate inquiry launched in August to examine gaps in early childhood education and care services across rural Australia has already received several submissions.

Family Daycare Queensland CEO Stella Conroy called for a specific strategy and involvement in consultation. The Central Highlands Development Corporation's submission highlighted the fund's small-scale guidelines that limited who could apply. Regional development coordinator Deb Barns stated that most available buildings in small towns were owned by councils, and council processes for land dealings took months, making it difficult for grants to be awarded.

Cr Hall pointed out that the criteria issues highlighted the disconnect from rural Australia. He added that the center in his town wouldn't be eligible for expansion funding due to the provider's size, limiting both childcare and community growth.