Childcare boost for some vulnerable families in Victoria lockdown

Some families affected by the coronavirus lockdown in Victoria could be eligible for relief from childcare fees.

The Federal Government today announced all services located in areas subject to stage three restrictions can waive parent gap fees if children are unable to attend childcare centres because of COVID-19 reasons.

The gap fee is the difference between the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) the government pays to a service provider and the remaining fee owed by the family.

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan said the initiative "provides certainty" to families that they will retain their child's enrolment at a childcare facility.

In a statement to 9News, Mr Tehan said the wavier will apply if a child is absent from care for "COVID-related reasons".

"Our government wants to ensure that childcare services remain open for workers and vulnerable families who need those services," he said.

READ MORE: Full Victoria lockdown would suck $1bn from economy every week

Mr Tehan also announced the Federal Government has eased the activity test until October 4 for families whose employment had been affected by coronavirus.

The activity test determines how much subsidised childcare a family can access.

Families could be eligible for up to 100 hours of subsidised care each fortnight, he said.

Some health experts are concerned about the impact unaffordable childcare will have on women getting back to work.

Women have lost more hours and work than men over the past few months as sectors such as retail and hospitality closed down.