The Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, announced yesterday that his Government would develop a family policy and a family package focussed on childcare. BPWA welcomes the announcement and also advocates for the continued government supported scheme for paid parental leave that separates its funding from the individual workplace. Support for improvements in access to high quality childcare for all Australian families should not detract from properly funded parental leave. BPWA welcomes any investment in childcare as a career pathway for women, the increase in qualifications and higher wages for staff that should lead to increased satisfaction of employees, retention of quality staff and reduced turnover. However, concerns continue about the restrictive nature of childcare options and we advocate for careful consultation by the Government in developing the new policy and family package.