As parents who are struggling amidst the cost of living crisis, we grapple with the injustice of having our children's absences depleted due to public holidays. This situation is beyond our control, yet it causes great financial strain and seems punitive for circumstances we did not choose.

Currently, we are allowed 42 absences for child care subsidies, however, these get quickly used up because public holidays are counted as absences. The fact that we are paying for a service that is not being used during these closures feels inequitable and unjust. Also, these 42 absences are needed as children often get sick due to the germs they contract at daycare.

What we propose is the exclusion of public holidays from these 42 absences and the addition of separate public holiday absences. This will allow parents more financial leeway and ensure that our hard-earned money isn't wasted on childcare service closures we have no control over and the childcare staff will still get paid.

It is essential for our government to recognize the financial struggles of families and the expenses incurred for child care. This seemingly small change could make a big difference to so many. Please, sign this petition and urge our policy-makers to consider this change, for it is a step towards financial relief for hardworking families.