[Greens-Media] ABC collapse: A warning to Government on early childhood education

[Hollo, Tim (Sen C. Milne)]

ABC collapse: A warning to Government on early childhood education

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on the Government to
implement measures to ensure no other 'for-profit' company can
monopolise the childcare industry, in the wake of yesterday's collapse
of ABC Learning.
ABC Learning, which accounts for more than 100,000 long day-care places
across1200 childcare centres in Australia and New Zealand, buckled to
pressure yesterday, and appointed administrators after months of
financial woes.

"Despite reassurances from the Deputy Prime Minister that the Government
will be looking at ways to tighten controls over the childcare industry,
the fact that 25 per cent of long daycare places were held by a profit
driven company is a situation that must never be repeated again," said
Senator Hanson-Young.

Senator Hanson-Young said the fact that ABC Learning received 44 per
cent of its revenue from the Federal Government was a sign that the
not-for-profit childcare sector needed more government support.

"We now have confirmation that ABC Learning cannot sustain itself,
having gone into receivership yesterday.  The Government must unveil its
so-called contingency plan sooner rather than later, for the thousands
of families who have been left in the lurch with the demise of the
company.

"This important, essential service for Australian working families
should not be seen as an opportunity to line the pockets of shareholders
any longer.  

"Lifelong learning starts at birth. If the Government is serious about
rethinking the management of the childcare industry, childcare as a
whole, must be recognised as an essential part of its early childhood
education plan.

"The care and learning of our children is far too important to hinge off
of company profit," said Senator Hanson-Young.

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760

Tim Hollo
Media Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
ph: (02) 6277 3588
mob: 0437 587 562

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