71.9% of surveyed NSW-based LDCs reducing places due to worsening labour shortages

Shortages of skilled educators and teachers were already occurring well before the COVID pandemic (as confirmed by the National Authority in November 2019).

But the May 2023 survey of services has revealed that:

• 85% of all NSW-based respondents; and
• 71.9% of all NSW-based long daycare service respondents

... are turning away children because they do not have the educators/teachers required by the NSW Regulatory Authority.

The NSW results compare against the national survey results of 66% of all long daycare services who responded are capping their places due to labour shortages.

It should be noted that NSW regulatory requirements are already higher (estimated by the NSW Productivity Commissioner as $3,000/child/year more) than all other Australian states.

In addition to Channel 9’s Today interview above, national media coverage also included 2GB radio, 7 News, the Daily Telegraph, the Courier Mail, the Herald Sun, The Advertiser and The Mercury.

For any further information or clarification, please contact ACA NSW via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au.

PUBLISHED: 14 JUNE 2023