Deb Leonard, independent candidate for Monash has criticised the Coalition's plan to bring back an activity test policy for childcare, describing it as "huge step backwards".

"As a working mum, I know firsthand the stress of trying to juggle work and family responsibilities," she said.

"Affordable, accessible childcare is absolutely essential – not just for parents, but for our kids and our economy too.

"The Coalition’s plan to bring back the ‘activity test policy’ is a huge step backwards. It unfairly punishes families already doing it though, locking over 100,000 children out of early learning. For parents in insecure work or trying to get back into the workforce, it creates an impossible catch-22.

"Investing in childcare is an investment in our future," said Leonard.

"It sets our kids up for the best start in life, and enables more parents, especially mums, to work and contribute to our economy. Not only that, but here in Monash we need to attract and retain professionals to the area, including doctors, nurses, teachers and healthcare specialists. To do this, we need to have accessible and affordable childcare.

"As your independent voice in Canberra, I’ll fight for policies that make childcare affordable and accessible for all families.

"Our region has been ignored for too long and our families are suffering for it.

"We need long-term solutions to make Monash the best place to live, work and raise a family.”