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Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findingsA Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions. By news@gippsland - 8th September 2026 - Back to News Regional families and childcare providers are bearing the brunt of workforce shortages, childcare deserts and growing bureaucracy, while the Labor government turned a blind eye to long-standing issues in the early childhood sector, according to a parliamentary report. 
Melina Bath said Labor ignored well-documented problems until they worsened, leaving regional childcare providers struggling with shortages, red tape and unfilled places Childcare sector strainedThe findings come after the Select Inquiry into the Early Childhood Education and Care Sector in Victoria tabled its report in State Parliament. The Nationals' Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, was a member of the Committee. Ms Bath said the inquiry found many of the sector's problems were foreseeable and well documented, yet Labor failed to act before they escalated. "Regional providers continue to go above and beyond for local families despite workforce shortages, increasing red tape and a lack of government planning. The inquiry uncovered serious shortcomings, including gaps in Victoria's Working with Children Check framework that remained unaddressed for years. Evidence from regional providers painted a concerning picture of a sector under significant strain." "While demand remains strong and waitlists continue to grow, childcare places are sitting vacant because providers cannot recruit enough qualified educators. Across regional Victoria, demand for childcare continues to outstrip supply, leaving families to bear the consequences of workforce shortages and poor planning. Childcare providers are spending more time on paperwork and administration, taking valuable time away from supporting children and families," Ms Bath said. Stronger childcare accountabilityMs Bath, who is also Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, said the inquiry highlighted the need for stronger accountability, a sustainable workforce and targeted support for vulnerable cohorts, including Aboriginal children and families."Families deserve confidence that problems will be addressed before they become crises, with a stronger workforce, better accountability and less red tape." "Regional Victorian families deserve a government focused on practical workforce solutions and ensuring every child has access to safe, high-quality early learning. Local childcare providers played a vital role in enriching the Committee's understanding of the challenges facing regional Victoria, and I thank them for their valuable contributions. It's time for a fresh start and a government that puts children and families first," Ms Bath concluded. The report can be found on the Victorian Parliament website. Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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