The Productivity Commission is now undertaking public consultation following last month’s release of its draft report into child care and early childhood learning.

New England MP Barnaby Joyce said “the one thing everyone agrees on is the current system is broken” and he wants as many families, child care operators and educators to make a submission before the consultation period closes next month.

“This is a complex issue with no easy solutions, which is why we tasked the Productivity Commission with the first major review of Australia’s entire child care system since the 1990s,” Mr Joyce said.

He said it was vital to have child care arrangements that worked for not only families in the major cities, but also those in regional and remote Australia.

The Productivity Commission received more than 1160 submissions prior to the draft report, including more than 460 formal submissions and 700 brief online comments. To comment directly, either online or through one of several public hearings, go to the website at www.pc.gov. au/projects/inquiry/childcare

The public consultation period closes on September 5, with the commission expected to provide its final report to the federal government by the end of October.