Media Release: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FAILS VICTORIA’S CHILDREN AGAIN

FROM THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

DATE: Wednesday, May 14, 2003

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FAILS VICTORIA’S CHILDREN AGAIN

The Howard Government has failed Victorian families with no new funding for child care places in the 2003-04 Federal Budget, Community Services Minister Sherryl Garbutt said today.

“The Howard Government has ignored the plight of Victorian families yet again and refused to adequately fund child care places in this State,” Ms Garbutt said.

“The lack of new funding is disgraceful and leaves around 4,000 children in Victoria unable to get a place in child care.

“The Howard Government has also provided no incentives for child care providers to expand their operations.

“Thousands of Victorian families are being forced to wait months and years for child care services while the Howard Government hoards its budget surplus.”

Ms Garbutt said unlike the Howard Government, the Bracks Government is meeting its responsibility as the regulator of child care services in Victoria.

Visiting the Lady Gowrie Child Care Centre, Ms Garbutt said the Bracks Government would provide an additional $250,000 to provide better support and monitoring of pre-schools, long day care centres and occasional child care centres.

“While the Howard Government is letting down Victorian families – the Bracks Government is delivering on it commitments,” Ms Garbutt said.

“This funding boost will provide more staff to monitor children’s services in metropolitan and country Victoria to ensure our children are getting the best care possible.

“The staff will assess compliance with the regulations and provide practical advice to help facilities meet care and education standards.

“Importantly, this initiative will strengthen the Department of Human Services’ capacity to take action when services fail to meet the regulations.”

The Children’s Services Regulations 1998 provide a minimum standard of care and education for young children. Regulations cover areas ranging from building specifications to staff qualifications and supervision of children.

Ms Garbutt said the Bracks Government demonstrated its commitment to children’s services with an $88 million boost in 2003-04 State Budget.

“The Bracks Government recognises the need to give Victorian children the best possible start in life,” Ms Garbutt said.

“This package includes $8 million over three years to provide seed grants of $250,000 to establish up to 30 Children’s Centres and $8 million over three years to provide capital grants to establish new kindergartens and preschools in growth suburbs.

“The Bracks Government is delivering on its election commitments and taking action to build a brighter future for our children.”