Page 2153 - Week 10 - Thursday, 26 October 1989
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I might add, Mr Speaker that an important issue for those workers is a new award, a matter which is being pursued in the federal industrial relations area. They are looking for a result from the case which has been put to the federal commission. I must say that I am hopeful that the matter will come through very quickly and I am hopeful that the workers there will be happy with the outcome of the case which they have put before the commission. In addition, I am hopeful that it will improve the child-care services which are provided in Canberra.
The children's day care services section does, however, provide a comprehensive service at all times to both parents requiring advice and to operators of services. It also provides ongoing in-service training for those employed in the child-care industry. My department has responsibility under part VII of the Children's Services Act 1986 to license child-care services.
Under the Act there are seven categories of care. The conditions of licence are continually monitored to ensure that the conditions are relevant, up-to-date, and best suit the needs of children.
I am pleased to report that my department is currently conducting a survey to ascertain whether the occasional care centre licence conditions are relevant and meeting the needs of users. I am looking forward to receiving the result of this service in the near future and making any necessary changes to the regulations that may be appropriate.
The provision of adequate, quality child-care is vitally important in the support of families and is consistent with the Government's position that women must have a real choice over whether they wish to remain in the home or whether they wish to take part in the paid work force.
The Government, by subsidising occasional care, provides support for women who choose to stay at home as well as for women who are studying. Our contribution to the children's services program provides working parents with child-care, which is very important in ensuring the success of employment and training programs leading to employment. It is also very important for the well-being of children, and I am pleased to say that my department is proactive in this important area.
I present the following paper:
Children's Week - Ministerial statement, 26 October 1989.
I move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
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