Free childcare ends today for Australian families

The Federal Government's free childcare program ends today, with almost a million families to restart paying one of their biggest weekly expenses.

The scheme was introduced in April and gave parents a three-month reprieve from paying childcare fees, with the program aimed at easing the burden on parents who are essential workers.

From today, the scheme will end and the Child Care Subsidy will be introduced.

READ MORE: Childcare affordability crisis looms when fees restart, say providers

In a week's time on July 20, childcare workers will no longer be eligible to receive JobKeeper payments. They are the first and only employees in the country to be cut off from the scheme, which is funded until the end of September.

Speaking with Today, Georgie Dent from not-for-profit group Parenthood, said ending the scheme today was "premature" with many families still under immense financial stress.

"I feel anxious about what the return of fees means for families and children and childcare operators themselves," Ms Dent said.

"When the Education Minister announced we would be snapping back to full fees from today he made that announcement about five weeks ago and at the time it did seem quite rushed."

READ MORE: 'We will continue to support': PM backs move to cut childcare from JobKeeper

Ms Dent said families Parenthood have spoken to say their children won't be able to attend once fees are re-introduced.

"A lot of families have said to us because of the income loss they have encountered they will have to reduce the number of days their kids attend or pull them out altogether from services from today," Ms Dent said.

"The problem is while attendance rates have been sitting around 74 per cent while fees weren't payable that is sustainable for a lot of operators.

"If attendance drops significantly below that it's not sustainable for them to stay open."

READ MORE: Childcare boost for some families in Victoria lockdown

Parents who have lost their job as a result of COVID-19 can apply for financial hardship assistance through the Additional Childcare Subsidy, which is paid for a maximum of 13 weeks.

Those who were receiving the Child Care Subsidy before April 6 will have the scheme start automatically from today.

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