Following a workshop held with the NSW Small Business Commission and the NSW Productivity Commission, one of the issues raised by a member service provider was their frustration of educating and caring for children channelled by the NSW Department of Family & Community Services and not being paid for their service until many months later or none at all due to the Department's expectation of the use of Child Care Subsidies.

The NSW Small Business Commissioner shared with the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) NSW that the NSW Government is committed to paying businesses faster. Their Faster Payment Terms Policy for small businesses means that participating agencies of the NSW Government will pay registered small businesses within 5 business days. Additionally, goods and/or services valued under $10,000, can be paid instantly by credit card.

Members of the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) NSW are strongly recommended to register themselves via the NSW Small Business Commission's portal.

In the meantime, if members have difficulties receiving payment or timely payment from the NSW Department of Family & Community Services (or any Department or agency of the NSW Government), please contact ACA NSW via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au. ACA NSW would be able to address these outstanding payment issues with the assistance of the NSW Small Business Commission.

PUBLISHED: 27 OCTOBER 2020