Sarah Ferguson presents Australia's premier daily current affairs program, delivering agenda-setting public affairs journalism and interviews that hold the powerful to account. Plus political analysis from Laura Tingle.
The Nordic countries are well-known for their high standard of living, and Australia could look to Finland as an example of a country that’s long achieved a system of universal childcare. This report by Stephanie Zillman and Xanthe Kleinig.
On the way to my son's childcare, I would past 10, 15 childcare centres, and they're all full. I've been on the waiting list for all of them for two years. STEPHANIE ZILLMAN: Jenna’s in the process of moving to a new area in order to access childcare closer to home. STEPHANIE ZILLMAN: With no indication of how long her family would wait for a spot, they were left with pursuing informal babysitting options, often with backpackers.
EMMA DOUGLAS: Now that she's got a place, I don't have to think about it again and I don't have to every few months be posting on the Broome babysitting Facebook pages, begging for a babysitter that can fit in with the days that I needed. This is too important to just leave to the market. We need a strong public managed system, and we need the government to step up and provide that.
STEPHANIE ZILLMAN: In Finland, the way early education services are funded, run, and accessed by families is very different to Australia. Monthly fees depend on a family’s income. Fees are capped at 300 euros for the wealthy, the equivalent of just under $500. The lowest income families pay just 28 euros which is less than $50.RIIKKA PIRINEN: Yeah, you would say that there’s like one day care centre in every corner.
So we do have a problem, like the lack of early childhood education teachers in Finland, just like you have in Australia, the attractiveness of the workforce.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Child care is affordable and guaranteed in Finland, but a 'ridiculous struggle' in AustraliaAustralia's childcare system has been described as a 'ridiculous struggle' for many working families, but could a country a world away teach us how to do it right?
Read more »
Singapore Backs Australia Over AUKUS Submarines, Undercutting Keating's ClaimSingapore supports Australia's decision on AUKUS submarines, contradicting former prime minister Keating's claim. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong advises China to drop trade sanctions against Australia and highlights Australia's role in regional security and stability. Keating calls for the sacking of Australia's spy chiefs for undermining ties with Beijing.
Read more »
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr speaks to 7.30’s Sarah FergusonTrusted and independent source of local, national and world news. In-depth analysis, business, sport, weather and more.
Read more »
Sarah Mitchell approached to run for the seat of Parkes at the next electionSarah Mitchell approached to run for the seat of Parkes at the next election
Read more »
Extended interview: Sarah Ferguson interviews Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos JrTrusted and independent source of local, national and world news. In-depth analysis, business, sport, weather and more.
Read more »
Sarah Ferguson Interviews Fran LebowitzSarah Ferguson interviews Fran Lebowitz about her opinions and observations on modern life as a flaneur.
Read more »