MEMBER for Bendigo Lisa Chesters says parents remain concerned for the future of kindergarten funding, despite the federal government committing to funding the full 15 hours over the next two years.
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The federal contribution to the 15 hour model was due to expire at the end of this year, meaning kindergartens and preschools would be required to fund the difference themselves or reduce hours and staff.
Instead, the federal government announced on the weekend it would contribute $840 million over two years through a means-tested subsidy to childcare centres.
Ms Chesters visited the Kennington Preschool Centre on Monday to continue to gather signatures on a petition calling for the 15 hour model to be retained into the future.
The $840 million announcement could be funded through changes to the family tax benefit.
Ms Chesters said the tax changes could make parenthood more inflexible, particularly for mothers.
"This could include an activity test requiring parents to be working 24 hours per fortnight," she said.
"It's predominantly women who work casual or full-time, and preschools don't allow you to work around your roster.
"If you don't know your hours, I worry more parents will drop out of childcare."
The Labor Party will discuss the government's proposal in the coming week ahead of next week's Federal Budget.
Ms Chesters said more detail was still needed before they would support any changes.
"A lot of parents I spoke to were saying, 'Well what happens after the two years?'" she said.
"I am disappointed that they are trying to lump preschool in with women's participation in the workplace.
"It should just be about education of children."
