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Jan 2006 - Child care in Australia needs an overhaul |
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Liberal MP Jackie Kelly believes that the current child care system is a ‘shambles' and needs a complete overhaul.
Kelly says there is a need for increased Government funding and a more cohesive direction from Government policy.
'We need a cohesive approach...'
There is currently no specific Minister for Children and Youth Affairs; Larry Anthony having last held this position before the 2004 Federal Election.
Kelly has highlighted the consequence of this void, claiming that there is a lack of structure in the Government's current approach to children's services in Australia. The issue of child care seems to sit across the portfolios of Treasurer Peter Costello, Employment Minister Kevin Andrews, Family Minister Kay Patterson and Education Minister Brendan Nelson, without there being a coordinated strategy.
Response from Early Childhood Australia
Ros Cornish from Early Childhood Australia Tasmania Branch also agrees with Ms Kelly's calls for an overhaul and says the Federal Government must recognise the sector is vital to the Australian economy.
Ms Cornish says all parents should have access to child care to allow for work, study or respite:
‘All parents should have a choice to have some form of child care for their child, it supports our economy,' she said, ‘so it's really important that we have accessible, affordable and viable child care services in this country.'
Further information
Liberal MP urges child care overhaul (ABC News Online)
Kelly's plea to PM: fix child-care shambles (Sydney Morning Herald)
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 January 2006 )
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