Monday 10^th March 2008

Rev Nile Concerned For Working Parents

In light of recent events surrounding the ABC childcare centres, the Rev Fred Nile, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, raised the issue during question time in Parliament and asked the Government if it had any plans to ensure adequate provision of childcare for working parents in NSW.

Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile: I ask the Minister for Education and Training:

• Is it a fact that ABC education childcare centres are facing bankruptcy and could close?
• What plans does he have to assist parents who may suddenly have no childcare facilities in New South Wales, given that childcare facilities are already in limited numbers, despite media reports of funds being made available to the centres?

The Hon. John Della Bosca: I am happy to entertain the question, but I point out to the member that this matter is not connected with the education portfolio. I will take the question as the Leader of the Government. It has been suggested that it is not necessarily an indication that the childcare centres themselves will cease operating as a result of the financial difficulties experienced by the parent company. Indeed, this morning's financial press indicates that precisely the opposite will occur, and that they will continue to trade. Indeed, they have been purchased by another operator.

The Hon. Duncan Gay: Part of the American arm.

The Hon. John Della Bosca: Again, that is a matter for the Commonwealth to consider. It is well and truly outside the New South Wales jurisdiction and my capacity to answer the question. As to the implications of a lack of childcare places in New South Wales, and indeed throughout the Commonwealth of Australia, that is generally within the Commonwealth jurisdiction, but I am happy to get some general material that might help the member form a view about the impact of the ABC childcare centres on the New South Wales childcare market and on the provision of child care within New South Wales.