Life Matters - Full program podcast Giving parents more choice in child care and saying goodbye at a living funeral
Mar 9, 2026
Christine Bagley-Jones, a resident psychologist on judgment and compassion. Julian Warnock, who organised a living wake to celebrate his wife while she was terminally ill. Professor Karen Thorpe, child development researcher who studies early childhood quality and safety. Cecilia Cobb, founder of For Parents campaigning to let subsidies follow parents. They discuss expanding childcare subsidy choices, evidence and safety for non‑centre care, and the meaning and logistics of living funerals.
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In Home Care Program Is High Cost But Low Uptake
- The existing in‑home care program is meant to fill gaps but is failing due to red tape.
- Karen Thorpe and Cecilia note it's high-subsidy and low-uptake, with only ~1,000 users despite childcare deserts and need.
Care Quality Beats Care Setting For Child Outcomes
- Quality of care matters more than care setting for child outcomes.
- Karen Thorpe emphasises educator qualifications, interactions, and program quality across centres, family daycare and home settings.
Require Minimum Checks And Training For Subsidy Carers
- Any carers receiving public subsidy should meet minimum safety and training standards.
- Cecilia Cobb calls for blue cards, police checks, basic modules in child safety/development, first aid and National Educators Register listing.