Childcare allowance

The allowance was agreed by the Authority in response to widespread concern from the local government sector that a lack of financial support for childcare creates a barrier for people, in particular women, to enter into elected positions.

The allowance was agreed by the Authority in response to widespread concern from the local government sector that a lack of financial support for childcare creates a barrier for people, in particular women, to enter into elected positions.

Allowance rate

Eligible elected members can claim up to $6,000 per year for each child if the childcare meets the criteria.

Eligibility

Elected members are eligible for the allowance if:

  • they are engaged on local authority business at the time of the childcare
  • they are the parent or guardian of the child, or usually has day-to-day responsibility for care of the child, and
  • the child is under 14 years of age.

Criteria

The childcare must be provided by someone who:

  • is not a spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner of the member
  • is not a parent of the child
  • does not ordinarily reside with the member or child.

Elected members must provide satisfactory evidence to the local authority of the amount paid for childcare.