[Greens-Media] What's the plan for Australian parents, children and workers?

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

Wednesday 5 November 2008

What's the plan for Australian parents, children and workers?

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says there can be no further delay in
informing Australian parents and childcare workers about how contingency
plans flagged by the Federal Government could be rolled out, following
reports suggesting an imminent collapse for a huge childcare company.

It has been reported that ABC Learning, which runs 1200 childcare
centres in Australia and New Zealand, will soon go into receivership
after months of financial troubles.

"The biggest player in Australian childcare could be about to fold, and
take 100,000 long daycare places with it," said Senator Hanson-Young.

"Parents need to know where their children can go if the gate's locked
at their local centre.

"The thousands of workers employed by ABC Learning also need to know
what their futures hold.

"The Greens will be closely watching any developments on the ABC
Learning Centres situation, to ensure that parents, children and
childcare workers are not left in the lurch."

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760