[Greens-Media] Families need to know ABC Learning contingency plans

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

Thursday 23 October 2008

Families need to know ABC Learning contingency plans 

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on the Federal Government
to explain its "contingency plans" for a possible collapse of ABC
Learning Centres, which would leave 100,000 children and their families
in the lurch.

In answering a question from Senator Hanson-Young during a Senate
Estimates hearing last night, the Department of Education, Employment
and Workplace Relations said that there was "some thought being given"
to issues that would arise if financially ailing ABC Learning folded,
and that "some scenarios" have been looked at.

"Just like Australians needed to know what the Government's plan was for
the global economic crisis, parents need to know what the Government's
plans are for their childcare needs," said Senator Hanson-Young.

"The families of 100,000 children in long daycare in this country are
understandably nervous about their childcare operator going under.

"These children all need to go somewhere if the shutters come down on
their local centre.

"Families need to know what options they have."

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens would be keeping a close eye on the
developments of ABC Learning and the childcare industry in Australia.

"It is negligent of the Government to allow 25 per cent of long daycare
childcare places to be held by one company, for profit," she said.

"The contingency plans should be ready to be rolled out if needed - if
we wait until the worst happens, then it's going to be too late."

Senator Hanson-Young has invited parents to contact her office with
concerns about childcare services.

"Parents have been contacting me with their very valid concerns on this
issue," she said.

"I invite anyone to contact my office if they share these concerns too."


To contact the Office of Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:
Email - senator.hanson-young at aph.gov.au
Phone - (08) 8231 9911

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760