With outback towns stuck in a cycle of workforce shortages and a dire need for childcare, parents are taking care of each other's children so they can keep their jobs.
Essential workers are unable to return to work due to severe childcare shortages in the bush, with a new coalition calling for urgent Federal Government action.
The scarcity of places in regional childcare has seen a new coalition of farmers, childcare operators, charities and unions call for the federal government to play a greater role in funding providers.
They say a "crisis" in early learning is crippling families and economies across regional Australia.
Guest: Maddy Butler, Campaign Director at The Parenthood.
Producer: Max Chalmers
ACCC review calls for direct government action to increase childcare access abc.net.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from abc.net.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.