[Greens-Media] ABC woes a big risk for Australian families

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

Wednesday 22 October 2008

ABC woes a big risk for Australian families

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on the Federal Government
to ensure that quality, affordable childcare will still be possible for
thousands of Australian children and their families in the event of a
significant corporate collapse.

The Australian reported today that ABC Learning has unsuccessfully
approached the Government for funding as it struggles under debt. 

"A staggering 20 per cent of this country's childcare places are at ABC
Learning centres," said Senator Hanson-Young.

"What will happen to the 100,000 children currently in long daycare at
ABC centres if the company folds?

"The financial troubles of ABC Learning should be ringing loud alarm
bells about the fact that one company has dominated a fundamental
service for Australia's families."

Senator Hanson-Young said that community-based, not-for-profit childcare
needed more support.

"In the event of the corporate collapse of a company like ABC, the
carer-to-child ratio will be in serious danger of blowing out," she
said.

"The Government should prioritise funding community-based,
not-for-profit childcare facilities in the places where families need
them most.

"The Greens will continue to call for quality, affordable childcare as
an investment that will build healthy, happy communities."


Senator Hanson-Young will be asking questions about childcare in the
Senate Estimates hearings for the Education, Employment and Workplace
Relations Committee.

What: Outcome 1: Early Childhood Education and Childcare (scheduled
third)

When: This afternoon, Wed 22 Oct

Where: Committee Room 2S3 (TV channel 11 in Parliament House)

Contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760