Three Day Guarantee to help local households

FAMILIES in the Bendigo electorate will be able to access three days a week of subsidised early childhood education from January 2026 via the Federal Government’s new Three Day Guarantee.

The Guarantee replaces the former Liberal Government’s Activity Test, which was implemented to increase workforce participation.

The Australian Institute of Family Studies, however, found no evidence that its introduction caused any increase.

According to Labor, implementing the guarantee and abolishing the test is a step towards a universal early childhood education and care system.

A statement said the change will also give families options and encourage parents to keep their children in early childhood education regardless of the employment status of their parents.

It’s also hoped to be able to provide cost-of-living relief to families and help ensure that children can access the benefits of high-quality early education and care.

“Labor’s guarantee will give families access to three days of subsidised early childhood education and care per week, regardless of their activity levels,” Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said on a recent visit to Goodstart Early Learning Bendigo.

“By investing in early childhood education and care, our government is making sure our kids have all the building blocks to succeed later in life.”

Minister for Education Jason Clare said childcare is essential for more than a million parents across the country.

“Fundamentally, this is about helping to make sure that every child gets a great start in life, helping to make sure that every child gets the benefit of early education and care.”