'We need to be concerned': John Anderson sheds light on childcare 'impact'

Sky News host Peta Credlin has discussed the cost and the impact of childcare on both families and the economy with former deputy prime minister John Anderson. Ms Credlin pointed to the “enormous money pit” it had become as reports show some parents spend up to $23,000 annually with taxpayers subsidising around $13 billion into the industry. “Rather than tip more money into childcare, how about we give parents some choices,” she said. Mr Anderson implored Australians to be “absolutely honest” in a discussion around the long-term effects of childcare. “I almost hesitate to say this because I know it is not popular but we know that not only do many mothers – the statistics are very clear despite what some people would have you believe – prefer to do things differently,” he said. “We really need to be concerned about the impact on very early children’s development.”