Page 4077 - Week 09 - Thursday, 26 August 2010
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The day before the election they whipped out our policy almost word from word. They did not cost it; so I do not quite know what rabbit they were pulling out of the hat for that.
More recently, Vicki Dunne has made comment on an audit—no income, no benefit to the community—and a centralised intake system, almost, for childcare. I can tell Mrs Dunne that those families, those providers and those in the sector that I have raised the centralised system with do not agree with it, do not want it, and would much prefer to have the conversation directly with families so that they can assure their families that the centre is matched to the needs, the requirements and the aspirations the families have for their child.
So I am not quite sure where Mrs Dunne stands. Yes, we do recognise there would be some increases. Given that this is underpinned by quality, which is all about providing the best and improved outcomes for our children, I do not know how those opposite could not support a quality agenda reform that these national reforms will bring in. Every state, even their counterparts in WA, has implemented it, has signed on for these COAG reforms, because they are the right thing to do. Every society, every community, should be doing the best they can for our children.
MR ASSISTANT SPEAKER: On the matter of public importance, Ms Hunter. Before you do, Ms Hunter, when I advised the reason for the call last time—and I apologise to Hansard—I had my finger on the mute button. With your indulgence, I will put the same explanation. I did indicate that it was a convention that, where a non-executive member raised an MPI, the second speaker to get the call would be the minister of the day and, where a government member actually put forward the MPI, then any other member. Thank you very much for your patience.
MS HUNTER (Ginninderra—Parliamentary Convenor, ACT Greens) (3.47): Thank you, Mr Assistant Speaker. It is unusual for you to have a mute button on, and I say that in a kind, caring way. I thank Mrs Dunne for bringing this matter of public importance forward today. The ACT Greens recognise the importance of helping families meet their expectations and needs in relation to their choices about work and, in particular, affordable and accessible childcare services.
Securing some form of childcare arrangements has been an issue for a long time. Before the ACT even existed, the first day care nursery in Sydney opened in 1905, when matrons at a Sydney hospital formed the Sydney Day Nurseries Association following concerns that washer women were bringing their infants to work while they did the laundry. Over a century later, it is still an important family issue, and it is vital in the ACT that we have a well developed policy on improving access to care for children through the day and during school vacations. This is essential not only for the parents or carers of these children but for the grandparents and other friends who are responsible for providing alternative care.
The ACT Greens have as one of our important aims to enhance the availability of a mix of adequate and affordable high quality childcare services for ACT families through initiatives to support social inclusion and culturally appropriate care. In addition, we seek to work to improve conditions, remuneration, training and career opportunities for childcare workers.
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