Page 5194 - Week 14 - Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Mr Smyth: Do you want me to read the question again?
MR SPEAKER: Order! Ms Burch has the floor.
Opposition members interjecting—
MS BURCH: I think I have responded to the question.
Mr Seselja: Perhaps Mr Smyth could repeat the question.
MR SPEAKER: Mr Smyth, would you like to ask the question again as a supplementary?
MR SMYTH: Obviously she did not hear the question. I will ask it again. Minister, have you received advice from your department to indicate that more jobs will be created in the childcare sector as a result of this policy? What was this advice and will you table it?
MS BURCH: Affording portable long service leave across the community sector, including the childcare sector, provides stability and sustainability within the sector.
MRS DUNNE: A supplementary question, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Mrs Dunne, a supplementary.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, how many new jobs will be created in the childcare industry as a result of this policy?
MS BURCH: In addition to portable long service leave, which clearly is not supported by those opposite, as workers’ rights are not supported by those opposite, the strategy around the workforce in childcare includes a range of things. It includes CIT training and increasing quality. It is around a sustainable, increased workforce across a range of policies and programs. This year, we are putting in an extra 660-plus places. Next year, there will be 400-plus places. We are increasing childcare places. With a sustainable, supported workforce, the workforce will be enticed back and retained in the sector.
MR SPEAKER: Mrs Dunne, a supplementary question?
MRS DUNNE: Minister, how many new childcare places will the portable long service leave policy create? If it does not create new places, will the workforce be increased one way or the other, and will this mean new fees?
MS BURCH: I think I have already answered this. This year we have put in an additional 660-plus. Next year we are putting in 400-plus places into the childcare sector.
Mr Hanson: How does portable long service leave increase the workforce?
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video