Grandparent carers deserve recognition
A childcare system that is more flexible, affordable and accessible would alleviate the pressure on older Australians to provide care for their grandchildren when parents return to work, seniors lobby group, COTA Australia, says.
The group, in its submission to the Productivity Commission’s public inquiry into Childcare and Early Childhood Learning, says most grandparents enjoy providing care for grandchildren on a regular basis, but many feel their role is not recognised and could be better supported.
The COTA submission calls for:
- an increase in occasional childcare and after school care to provide respite to grandparent carers and to cover care when grandparents are ill or on holidays;
- more flexible childcare to provide for parents who don’t work regular hours and rely on grandparents to pick up the care;
- more accessibility and greater affordability of childcare so pressure on grandparents to provide care is reduced; and
- more resources for grandparent carers such as courses on modern early childhood development and support services.
Ian Yates, COTA Australia chief executive, says “grandparents play a huge role in the care of young people and often fill the gaps of an inadequate childcare system when parents struggle to find or afford formal childcare.
“When you add up their contribution it really is significant and highly undervalued by the government.”
Mr Yates says providing better support and resources for grandparents and supporting more occasional care places would help to give grandparents respite and reduce the issues created when grandparents fall ill or want to take a holiday.
