[Greens-Media] Capital Grants Fund a responsible way forward for childcare

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

Tuesday 11 November 2008

Capital Grants Fund a responsible way forward for childcare

The Greens are calling for a new Capital Grants Fund to be made
available to potential new operators of ABC Learning Centres, as a way
of solving the childcare crisis.

Under the plan, community groups and not-for-profit providers would be
able to access grant funding to ensure childcare centres stay open, and
allow the sector to make the transition away from a profit-driven
industry towards a community-based, not-for-profit model.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says Parliamentary Secretary for Early
Childhood Education and Childcare Maxine McKew should discuss the
Capital Grants Fund at her luncheon today with some childcare
representatives in Canberra.

"A Capital Grants Fund would be a first step in reshaping childcare in
Australia, giving the community childcare sector the opportunity to take
on the running and management of facilities that are struggling under
ABC Learning," said Senator Hanson-Young.

"Current, experienced service providers could acquire individual
centres, keeping the doors open and providing continuity in the care of
children.

"A number of non-profit service providers have indicated their
willingness to take such an opportunity on, but they are asking for the
Government support of a capital grant to get things moving.

"A Capital Grants Fund is a responsible way for the Government to deal
with this crisis, while investing in good quality, community-based
childcare."

Senator Hanson-Young said that the childcare sector was demanding more
transparency in the Government's response to the ABC Learning crisis,
and that an emergency summit was needed to facilitate this.

"Many organisations and groups in the sector have heard little from the
Government up to this point, despite offering their help, expertise and
support," she said.

"Today's luncheon is a good indication of the Government starting to
listen to those on the ground, caring for kids and talking to parents,
but there are many more organisations who should  be involved.

"What is now needed is an emergency summit of key service providers,
childcare experts and Government, to map out a way forward for childcare
in Australia beyond December 31 this year."

Senator Hanson-Young will move a motion for an emergency summit in the
Senate today.

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760