[Greens-Media] ABC Learning solutions needed in countdown to Christmas

[Clark, Gemma (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

Saturday 20 December 2008

ABC Learning solutions needed in countdown to Christmas

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says the Federal Government must do more to assist families and workers affected by the closure of more childcare centres connected to ABC Learning.

Neighbourhood Early Learning Centres informed parents late this week that its 14 centres would close on December 31 due to a “management agreement” with ABC Learning ending, and the centres becoming unviable.

“As many childcare centres in Australia shut up shop for Christmas, there are now hundreds more workers and parents not knowing if they have a secure job to come back to or a caring place to drop their kids at in the new year,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“So far we have 55 ABC Learning centres slated for definite closure, CFK Child Care has gone into receivership, and now the 14 NELC centres are closing.

“How many more childcare centres will go under that we do not know about yet?

“This is proving to be a very gloomy holiday period for those affected by the ABC Learning debacle and the turmoil in the sector.”

Senator Hanson-Young said the Government should be doing more to ensure that families had access to childcare services.

“Childcare is an essential service and must be guaranteed in some shape or form by the Government in this time of need,” she said.

“It’s not good enough to simply lay the blame at the feet of the former Howard regime by saying ‘they let the market rip’.

“In the weeks since ABC Learning folded, I’ve heard concerns over and over again from those in the childcare sector about the Federal Government’s lack of transparency and lack of consultation.

“Workers and parents want information and solutions now – the Government has had months to come up with answers but what’s been forthcoming so far is not enough.”

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760