The cost-of-living crisis continues to plague most Australian households. But a pernicious “cost-of-working crisis” is also enveloping many families.

There is no doubt the major source of financial pain is the cost of housing, with both mortgages and rent soaring. On Monday, The Centre for Population deemed the currently low fertility rate we’re seeing “here to stay” as housing prices – including rents – make starting a family increasingly unaffordable.

The prime minister says he is open to reforms that would make early childhood education free for low-income parents.Credit: AAP

Akin to a second mortgage for parents with children under six, it’s safe to say the cost of childcare may come in as a close second in deterring parents-to-be from starting a family.

And understandably so. Without the luxury of grandparents or relatives who are willing and able to step in, it’s an unavoidable cost. For parents of young children, going to work necessitates paying for formal early childhood education and care, the cost of which has skyrocketed. Broke if you work, broke if you don’t, work is the trap for these families.

To add insult to injury, the promise of more affordable daycare for these........

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