The truth about daycare in Australia: Safety, scandals and the shocking costs

When it comes to raising kids, daycare is often seen as a necessity for working parents. But how safe is the childcare system we trust every day? And why does it cost families so much to simply go to work?

On this week’s episode of Wine Chats, Billi and Lyndsey tackle the uncomfortable but essential truth about daycare - covering everything from terrifying news reports to the eye-watering cost of childcare in Australia.

Daycare safety: who’s really watching our kids?

Parents want to believe daycare centres are safe havens, but the headlines tell a different story.

"Some of the stories that have come out about daycare have shaken me to my core. You just trust the system to look after your babies - but it’s so far from flawless."

Background checks like “blue cards” exist, but as the ladies discuss, that doesn’t guarantee every child is safe. Cases of neglect, abuse, and children being left behind after hours are terrifying reminders that the system has cracks.

The shocking cost of daycare in Australia

Beyond safety, families face the crushing financial reality of daycare. In Australia, some centres charge up to $200 a day.

"How are parents supposed to afford that? You literally have to go to work just to pay for someone else to watch your kids."

For many families, it feels like a broken system that punishes working parents instead of supporting them.

A mum’s perspective

With humour, honesty, and real mum talk, Billi and Lyndsey reflect on their own childcare experiences. Their discussion is raw, emotional, and at times, uncomfortable, because that’s what parenting really is.

"You just trust that the centre has done their due diligence to make sure that they're not employing creeps."

As Lyndsey points out:"We just hand our babies over, hoping the system will care for them the way we do - but that’s a huge leap of faith."

A lighter sip: booze-free tasting

To balance the heavy chat, the ladies tried out the Pretty Hot Margarita from Cute Drinks, a booze-free cocktail with collagen, hyaluronic acid and a peppery kick. Perfect for parents who want the ritual of a drink without the alcohol!

Final thoughts

The truth about daycare is complex: it’s both a lifeline for families and a system full of flaws. Safety, cost and trust are all on the table in this episode - and whether you’re a parent now or plan to be one in the future, it’s a conversation worth hearing.

Listen to the full episode of Wine Chats to hear the unfiltered truth about daycare.