Page 4727 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 10 November 2009
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Dr Dwyer, he uses the figure of $160 million when the figure he should be measuring is $110 million. So, yes, there are mistakes in the analysis, but it does not look at the complete picture. And nobody has been able to discredit the Treasury financial analysis. So if you are going to come in here and rubbish it and trash it, come in here and prove that it is wrong.
Childcare—fees
MR DOSZPOT: My question is to the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services. Minister, do you estimate childcare fees will rise in the next few years? If so, what will cause the rise and what impact will this have on families in the ACT?
MS BURCH: I would imagine the cost of living would result in increased costs. Other details I am certainly happy to bring back. Generally, across the community increased cost across a range of services is to be expected, as in so would the cost of cornflakes and bread increase.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, a supplementary question?
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, which measures being considered or implemented by the government will put upward pressure on childcare fees?
Mr Corbell: Point of order. The member is asking Ms Burch for an announcement of government policy in terms of announcements that may result—
Opposition members interjecting—
Mr Corbell: I think the question both seeks to anticipate announcements that have not been made, and to that extent is hypothetical, and invites the minister to make a public policy announcement, which you cannot do in this forum.
MR SPEAKER: On the point of order, Mr Doszpot?
MR DOSZPOT: I am willing to take out “considered” from my question.
MR SPEAKER: Would you like to reframe the question, Mr Doszpot?
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, which measures being implemented by the government will put upwards pressure on childcare fees?
MS BURCH: I will answer that. This government is working closely with the commonwealth government. There is an agenda for a national quality framework across early childhood that could have a ripple effect across every jurisdiction across childcare centres. That could come in to increase the cost. It is around quality services to our early childhood sector. It is an ongoing discussion between the commonwealth and jurisdictions. As that discussion develops, I am quite happy to keep you updated.
MR SPEAKER: Mrs Dunne, a supplementary question?
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