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Child Care News for Parents & Carers
May 17, 2017 |
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Welcome, this week learn about protecting your children's eyes and why some experts are calling for "No Hat, No Sunglasses, No Play". Also, has the campaign to get a pet started in your family? Read our article to help you assess the pros and cons before you take the plunge. We also have a snapshot of this year's Budget and what it means for families & child care.
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| No hat, no sunglasses, no play |
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In an effort to protect children from eye damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Opthamologists called for a change to the 'No Hat, No Play' rule for children in primary schools recently to now include sunglasses.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift agreed with the callout, saying, "Adequate eye protection against UV radiation is vital for adults and children during outdoor activity in daylight hours."
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| "Mum…can we get a puppy…?" |
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Almost inevitably, there comes a time in every family when your child will ask for a pet…hopefully for your sake not a pony.
With more than 24 million pets in Australia, or a household rate of pet ownership at 62 per cent, Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. But aside from the companionship that 'man's best friend' can bring, there are many other benefits of pet ownership, particularly for children.
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| Budget 2017 |
| Families and child care |
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The 2017 Federal Budget was announced last week and in line with changes outlined in the Jobs for Families Package, funding for child care has been increased but will be delivered differently. Families with young children can expect the following changes:
- The Family Tax Benefit has not been increased and from July 2018 will be subject to a means test, which means families will lose 30c of their Family Tax Benefit for every dollar they earn over $94,316.
- From 1 July Family Tax Benefit Part A will be reduced by $28 per child per week for children who don’t meet stricter No Jab No Play rules.
- The Budget includes an additional $37.3 billion for child care over three years and this will be distributed as a single means tested subsidy which will replace the current Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate.
- Under the single payment system there will be no cap on the rebate for families using child care who earn $185,710 or less. For families earning more than $185,710 the rebate will be capped at $10,000 per year per child.
- Families earning a combined income $350,000 or more per year will not be eligible for the new child care payment.
- Pre-school families will keep their 15 hours per week of free access for another 12 months.
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