Where i am (in Melbourne) they are linked to community centres.
Ages 6 weeks - 5 years
I pay $18.00 for 3 hours.
I was on a waiting list for 6 months plus for a permanent spot. In the meantime, i was given a casual spot from a waiting list if another child rang in sick.
Nothing back from the Govt.

My local YMCA have a creche where you book 2 weeks in advance and their sessions are 1hr15mins long and cost $4ish dollars per session (or less for 2 kids). Parents use it for all manner of reasons, but mostly if they are using the Gym or the swimming pool. It is very unstructured and even has a TV going!