A new limited series podcast reveals the depths and impact of Australia’s childcare crisis. Over three episodes, At What Cost? examines how cost and supply issues are hurting families, communities and the Australian economy. At What Cost? is produced by the multi-award-winning FW podcast team and made in partnership with The Parenthood.

“The exorbitant cost of childcare is standing in the way of parents’ being able to participate in the paid work their families need and their children accessing the benefits of early education” says podcast host and CEO of The Parenthood, Georgie Dent. “Horror stories about two year waiting lists, mean that even for parents who can afford childcare, access isn’t always possible.”

Interweaving the stories of parents and experts, At What Cost? helps parents understand the reasons behind their frustration with Australia’s early childhood education and care system. Episode by episode, listeners learn how inaccessible and expensive childcare is holding our country back from success.

At What Cost? also explores how unaffordable and inaccessible early education and care has a long term impact on gender equality. Highlighting that, on average, Australian women’s earnings fall by almost 50% in the first five years after having a child. By comparison, men’s incomes remain stable1.

“We wanted to show Australian parents that it’s not in their heads, they’re not making it up – accessing childcare really is much harder and more expensive than it should be,” says supervising producer Sally Spicer. “Podcasting is an ideal format to combine storytelling, information and news. It’s been a pleasure working with The Parenthood to create At What Cost?”

At What Cost? is a limited series by FW, produced in partnership with The Parenthood.
Listen to episode one, “A guilt-filled juggle.” on Apple or Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Media opportunities:

Georgie Dent, host of At What Cost? and CEO of The Parenthood

Helen McCabe, FW managing director

For further information, please contact:
Sally Spicer
FW Communications Director
sally@futurewomen.com 

Wednesday, February 12, 2025