Shoalhaven City Council has voted to privatise its Family Day Care Services, a controversial decision that has raised significant concerns about childcare accessibility and job security in the region.

The move affects hundreds of local families who rely on the council-run service, with parents now facing potential fee increases and up to six council staff members at risk of job losses.

The service, which has operated at a modest annual deficit of $90,000, has long been a crucial resource for working families across the Shoalhaven. Critics argue that the council failed to explore alternative funding options, including federal grants available in 2024 that could have helped sustain the program.

“This decision represents a significant shift in essential community services,” said Stuart Geddes from the United Services Union (USU), which represents the affected childcare workers. “It’s particularly concerning given councillors’ December 2024 commitment to prevent job redundancies.”

Community advocates have raised several concerns about the decision, including:

• Lack of public consultation before the vote
• Expected increases in childcare costs for local families
• Job losses despite previous council commitments
• Poor timing, given new federal childcare sector reforms

Questions have also been raised about council spending priorities, with critics pointing to Mayor Patricia White’s annual travel expenses of $20,000 - $30,000, an amount significantly higher than the service’s operating deficit.

Labor councillors have come under scrutiny for supporting the privatisation, given the party’s general opposition to outsourcing public services.

With many Shoalhaven families already struggling to access affordable childcare, unions warn that this decision could set a worrying precedent for future council service privatisations.

Details of the transition and implementation plan are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.