Page 613 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
we have found the average daily fee charged by centres this year is up around 2.3 per cent, which is broadly in line with the CPI.
Certainly, some centres will review their prices at the end of the year, but this is hardly the massive hike that Mrs Dunne was predicting. These figures are in line with the latest report on government services, which showed an increase of 2.2 per cent, not the 25 per cent that Mrs Dunne falsely claimed in the Assembly last week. The data shows that the work we have done with the sector—
Mrs Dunne: Point of order, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, one moment, Ms Burch, thank you. Stop the clock.
Mrs Dunne: On a point of order, Ms Burch has made an accusation that I made a false claim in this place. That is an indication that I misled the Assembly. She can only do that by substantive motion, and I ask you to make her withdraw.
MR SPEAKER: Mrs Dunne, my advice on precedent in this place is that the notion of making a false claim is different to misleading the Assembly. You, of course, have the opportunity to seek leave under standing order 46 to make a personal explanation later in the day. Ms Burch, you have the floor to continue.
MS BURCH: I advise Mrs Dunne to check the Hansard and the words in the question by Mr Seselja. The data shows that the work we have done with the sector in the last two years, including the $60 million supporting quality early childcare education and care packages, is paying off. They show that Canberra families have had confidence that their children are receiving the best standard of care in the country, and this has not come at great significant cost.
While the government do not operate childcare centres nor determine their business models, we can support the sector to deliver high quality care and help grow to meet growing demand. This is what the ACT government are doing.
MS PORTER: Supplementary.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Minister, can you tell the Assembly about other childcare initiatives that are being undertaken by the government?
MS BURCH: Again, I acknowledge Ms Porter’s interest in childcare here in the ACT. The government is committed to improving the level of childcare in the territory. Quality childcare plays an important role in building the community by supporting people participating in the workforce and providing children with education and care. The government committed $9 million in the last budget to upgrade and extend childcare centres, adding an additional 173 places to the existing childcare centres in suburbs such as Campbell, Braddon and Forrest. Parents choose childcare centres which are close to home or on their way to work. They also like them to be located close to shops and other community facilities.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video