Launceston nurse Kate Blazley was able to pick up work more days during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to free childcare.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She said she would like to continue putting more hours into health care, but after the federal government policy ends on July 13 she won't have any choice but to cut back again.
Her family is eligible for four days a week of subsidised care for their daughter, Jessica.
However, during the lockdown all care was paid for by the government, meaning they were able to use the service more and Ms Blazley was able to work more.
"Childcare is a big part of our budget," she said.
"It's definitely been a positive thing to have the help, and having the option to work more hours during this time has been really good.
"I think in time to come, if we end up in recession and my husband continues to have less work, then [the reversal] will definitely affect us."
Libby Lin said free childcare was "a really big help for our whole family" during the pandemic.
"Everyone is so stressed about financial things, and usually I have to pay about $180 a week - but that was totally waived," she said.
"It just came at exactly the right time."
Her family's main source of income is a restaurant and takeaway.
The business was impacted "really badly" at the start of the lockdown, and is starting to recover now.
She said they were grateful the government's decision to make child care free.
"I would love [for it to continue], but we always respect the government's decision," she said.
IN OTHER NEWS: