Childcare subsidy must benefit working and stay-at-home parents

IMAGINE, for a moment, the following scenario. The Government announces that it will subsidise families where one parent stays at home to mind young children.

This measure, the press release says, reflects the view that home-based care is “better on balance” for children.

Can’t you just imagine the howls of outrage? How dare the Government interfere, people would protest, with the right of parents to decide how best to care for their children?