Sixty-one percent of Tasmanians are living in an area with an acute shortage of childcare places, according to a new report on childcare availability in Australia released on Tuesday.
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The Australian first report found that only one region, inner Hobart, had sufficient numbers of childcare places with the remainder of the Tasmania considered a childcare desert - where three or more children under four years of age were vying for every one childcare space.
The worst Tasmanian regions were Brighton in Greater Hobart and the Central Highlands where there are six and 12 children respectively vying for every childcare place.
The research found childcare places were concentrated in the wealthiest areas and close to major job centres, with a correlation between areas with higher childcare fees and childcare availability.
Greater numbers of women with a child under five were in the workforce in locations where more childcare places were available.
Chief executive of Lady Gowrie Tasmania Mat Rowell said that the ratios of approved child care places to the numbers of children aged under 5 show where there is demand for access to early childhood education and care, but they do not paint the whole picture.
"Early childhood education and care services exist often where people go to work, which is why you see higher numbers of them in the more populated centres," he said.
"Access to early childhood education and care for disadvantaged families and communities on lower incomes is a challenge, and there is definitely a need for more support to encourage and support families with young children to access to early childhood education and care.
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"It sets them up well for school and starts their learning and socialising early, not to mention the benefits for parents in being able to work or study."
Mr Rowell said one of the significant issues is the serious workforce shortage.
"Whilst there may be demand in some areas of the state, finding the workforce to staff those places is a significant challenge. There may be times where the numbers of approved places are not being fully utilised because of this workforce shortage."
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Nikita McGuire
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
