[Greens-Media] ABC Learning stats far from reassuring for parents, workers

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

Thursday 27 November 2008

ABC Learning stats far from reassuring for parents, workers

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on Education Minister Julia
Gillard for her promised statement on the future of ABC Learning
Centres, saying an announcement from its receiver simply raises more
questions over the future of hundreds of the centres.

Receiver McGrathNicol yesterday announced that 386 of the company's 1042
centres are "subject to further operational review", with no guarantee
that they would remain open in 2009.

"For thousands of parents and thousands of workers, yesterday's
announcement just heightened their anxiety," said Senator Hanson-Young.

"Forty per cent of ABC Learning Centres in this country are in doubt,
which is not a reassuring statistic whatsoever.

"The figures released show that in New South Wales, for example, half of
the centres have a big question mark hanging over their future.

"That's not the sort of announcement that families are looking for with
only a few weeks to go until Christmas holidays."

Senator Hanson-Young called on Minister Gillard to bring forward the
ministerial statement she has been saying she will make.

"For weeks now Minister Gillard has said that she and her team are
preparing a statement explaining what will happen to all ABC Learning
Centres once the Government's $22 million prop-up expires on December
31," she said.

"Parents and workers are looking for direction and leadership as to what
will happen to their centre, as New Year's Eve quickly approaches.

"It's time for the Government to put forward some answers now."

Senator Hanson-Young said that the ABC Learning situation underscored
the importance of the upcoming Senate Inquiry into childcare in
Australia, which was supported by the Senate this week.

"It's clear that, now more than ever, we need to get the key childcare
providers around a table to share their experience and expertise and
promote solutions," she said.

"Those on the ground, caring for our kids and talking to parents every
day, are best qualified to map the way forward for quality, sustainable
childcare."

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760