i don't believe fully government funded child care is plausible or reasonable at all. it's hard yards to get sufficient funding, placement of centres would be seen to be discriminatory if there wasn't a place for every child who's parent wanted to use it. asking parents to pay if they're not working, but free for working parents would again be seen to be discriminatory. the government funds public schooling - but look at how much additional fund raising is required to get more than the bare essentials. there are voluntary fees etc as well... how would you prioritise placement? full time worker, part time worker, casual, sahp?

Child care is big business - there is no doubt. but there is only places available because it IS profitable so people are prepared to invest in start up of a centre until it starts making money - unfortunately there is too much profiteering, and that's where our problems come from. there needs to be government legislation to stop profiteering, but to still allow the child care centres to run as a business.