Uncertain: Victoria Silvey with her children Alex, 8, Isabella, 2, and Olivia, 11.
MOTHER-of-three Victoria Silvey said she relied on the childcare rebate to make ends meet.
The Ballarat family is one of the many who won’t know for sure if the non-means tested childcare rebate will survive the tough economic conditions until the May federal budget.
Despite hints from Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Treasurer Wayne Swan that the government wouldn’t cut the 50 per cent rebate for childcare expenses, Ballarat MP Catherine King said yesterday she would not pre-empt any decision.
“There is no doubt this will be a tough budget, and the Treasurer has certainly already indicated that, but I am not going to speculate on what it will contain,” Ms King said.
“Child care is incredibly important for families at all sorts of levels as it enables them to engage in the work force and education.”
Ms King said the government remained committed to delivering a budget surplus as it was important for the nation’s economic future.
Ms Silvey, who has a child suffering from an Autism Spectrum Disorder, said the single-income family was already burdened with treatement-related costs.
The full-time mum said if the rebate was not continued she might have to put her own plans to return to work in the aged care sector on hold.
Liberal Senator Michael Ronaldson called on the government to immediately rule out a means test or further cuts to the rebate.
