02/06/2026
Presidents Update
Today marks an important day for the In Home Care sector.
On behalf of the Australian Home Childcare Association, I would like to sincerely thank Minister Walsh and Minister Clare for today's announcement of Sustainability Support Grants for In Home Care providers.
This funding is a welcome acknowledgement of the critical role In Home Care plays within Australia's early childhood education and care landscape and recognises the significant affordability and sustainability pressures being experienced across the sector.
The announcement could not have come at a more important time. Today, the Fair Work Commission also confirmed a further 9.75% increase to the Children's Services Award for In Home Care educators, effective 1 July 2026. While AHCA strongly supports fair wages for our highly skilled educators, the cumulative impact of recent award increases has placed unprecedented pressure on providers and families alike.
This grant provides a much-needed lifeline for services across the country.
I would like to sincerely thank all providers and families who have contributed to AHCA's advocacy efforts over recent months. Through surveys, meetings, case studies, media engagement and sharing your lived experiences, you helped ensure the realities facing In Home Care were heard.
I would also like to acknowledge the AHCA Committee. Their dedication has been extraordinary. Committee members have devoted countless hours to advocating for the sector, often at the expense of their own workloads, businesses and family commitments. Without their tireless efforts, collaboration and commitment, we would not have been able to effectively communicate the crisis facing In Home Care.
Today's announcement is a significant and welcome milestone for the In Home Care sector. It reflects the Government's recognition of both the essential role In Home Care plays in supporting eligible children and families, and the sustainability challenges that providers have been navigating.
While this funding provides a critical lifeline and much-needed stability for providers, it is only one part of the solution. Our focus now turns to securing the long-term affordability, accessibility and sustainability of the program, ensuring that every child who relies on In Home Care can continue to access safe, high-quality regulated education and care regardless of their circumstances, location or care requirements.
There is renewed optimism for the future of In Home Care, but there is also more work ahead. AHCA remains committed to working collaboratively with Government, providers and families to ensure this unique and vital program can reach its full potential.
To every provider, educator, family and advocate who contributed to this outcome—thank you. Your voices, experiences and unwavering commitment to the children and families we serve have helped bring In Home Care to the forefront of national discussion, and today's announcement belongs to all of you.
Nicole Morgan
President
Australian Home Childcare
The Albanese Labor Government has launched a new grant opportunity to support In Home Care services in early learning.In Home Care is an important form of approved Child Care Subsidy care where an educator provides care in a child's home.In Home Care is available to families who can't access other t...
