Page 2509 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 13 August 2014
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whether it be in homelessness—in so many areas—with years of dedication and great work, dedicated to those less well off in our community, to the betterment of our society. To have it twisted in the way that it was twisted last night and again today is just unacceptable. If members talk about the level of debate, perhaps some of those throwing the allegations that have been thrown should look at what they are saying and what they are doing.
Ms Lawder is a great advocate for the community sector and for those less well off in this community, based on years of experience. Her words should not be twisted; her efforts should not be denigrated in the way that they have been last night and today. I truly believe there should be an apology forthcoming for the language used here today.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, have you got something to say? Do you want to raise a point of order? You wanted to raise a point of order, Mr Hanson?
Mr Hanson: No.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you.
MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Disability, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Racing and Gaming, Minister for Women and Minister for the Arts) (5.31): I rise to make a few comments on early childhood education and care, the cost of it and the fact that this community rightly is seeking access to quality placements in the ACT. I remind those in the chamber of the investment that this government has made over its time in office—a close on 94 per cent increase in places, effectively a doubling. Since 2011 I think there are 2,500-plus places that have come online, 700 places just in the last 12 months alone. There has been the investment in the Franklin early childhood centre, including long day care, the Holder long day care centre, which I spoke about in the Assembly, and upgrades to centres. We have seen growth in places across the properties owned through the various directorates that are leased out to childcare providers, and we have seen an increase in land release to make sure that we continue to meet the demand.
Ms Lawder has gone on to say that it is not the opposition’s job, it is the government’s job. Indeed, it is. It is the government’s job. I think Ms Lawder used the words “just get on with it”. A 94 per cent increase, over 2½ thousand places, in the last three years, 700 in the last year, I think is getting on with it.
As to cost and availability, cost has an impact on families. There is no doubt about that. The average cost of child care in the ACT is around $100. Depending on the number of children, depending on the income streams and what rebate or benefit you can access, that would decrease, but that is the base cost. There is a question to anyone interested in this: what are some of the elements that go to those costs? There is the rent or the capital cost of the building that you need to pay down, the other costs within it and the workforce cost.
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