New England Labor candidate Laura Hughes backing party's big spend on childcare

Labor has committed to lift the maximum childcare subsidy rate to 90 per cent for families for the first child in care, as well as increase subsidy rates for every family with one child in care earning less than $530,000.

Higher subsidy rates for the second and additional children in care would also be kept, and it would extend the increased subsidy to outside school hours care.

While that would come at a huge cost, Ms Hughes said it was the right thing to do in order to provide children with the best start to life.

"As a school teacher and committee member of a community preschool, I see the pressure young families are under to give their children quality care," she said.

"And ensure their children can go off to school well prepared, while they can maintain a satisfying career themselves."

"This is not a 'could do' for our government, it is a 'must do' and Labor understands that implicitly."

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The proposal has drawn support from some locals, who are struggling to access childcare in the region.

Tamworth mother Kayla Watson said on top of struggling to find childcare, she feels like she is being priced out of quality options.

"I have returned to work at my small business, and it has been very difficult to secure childcare for my son, Harvey," she said.

"Currently, we are on a waiting list for several childcare centres in Tamworth, so I have no option but to take Harvey to work with me, which is not ideal for him.

"My partner Glenn and I are very concerned about the lack of availability and the cost of quality childcare for our family."

Last year, the Coalition also made large investments in the childcare sector. It increased the maximum subsidy for the second child in care to 90 per cent. That policy was set to leave families with two children in care $132 better off per week.

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