Pyne, Albanese clash on childcare costs

Christopher Pyne and Anthony Albanese have butted heads in a contentious debate about childcare costs this morning.

The opposing frontbenchers were discussing the retirement of Labor MP Kate Ellis on TODAY when the conversation changed to the increasing expenses of childcare.

"We do have an affordable childcare reform in front of the Senate right now, which Labor is refusing to pass which would actually make it cheaper and make it more accessible to people but Labor won't..." Pyne said.

"That's not right," Albanese interjected.

"What we are not doing is supporting your cuts and what the Government is doing is linking up unconnected things.

"So they end up with this gridlock. That's why they are not governing."

Pyne described Albanese's allegations as "nonsense".

Yesterday Social Services Minister Christian Porter said the government may settle for getting $1.6 billion for childcare in its welfare reform bill.

The bill is currently stalled in the Senate.