Page 2341 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 1 November 1989
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provide very much more personalised services in those preschools than they do later on when their children go to primary and secondary schools. So a first-rate system developed, a system that is the envy of other States.
But, of course, we have to face up to reality, and just as we have to get buses and other community facilities down to Tuggeranong, so we have to get preschools down there too. The preschool area has been faced not only with declining enrolments for some years but also with enrolments spreading wider. There are inevitable consequences of that. This decline is no doubt the consequence of a general slowing down of the birthrate, especially in the ACT, but there are also other factors at work. We have to recognise that nothing ever stays the same, therefore our system of preschools cannot ever stay the same. We have to adjust to meet the changing circumstances.
Preschools, as they are presently organised, are not always a convenient option for working mothers with young children, as the hours of operation of preschools do not always coincide with normal working hours. It is a fact that most women now work. Members will know - those who are involved with young children - that there is a complex arrangement of child-care before, during and after school and preschool hours. This matter is currently under close consideration by the Education Department to see how it can best accommodate to the needs imposed by these changes.
As well, and of particular note, is the fact that families with young children tend not to live in the old established areas, but to settle in the new growth areas such as Tuggeranong. I understand that during the last 10 years many adjustments and amalgamations have taken place as a result of these demographic trends. It simply has to happen. The place changes, and we have to adjust accordingly. I expect that Mr Jensen and Mrs Nolan, as they join in this debate, will not support Mr Humphries because they want preschools down there in Tuggeranong as that area expands.
It should be clear to all members of the house that the Government has treated this matter in a thorough and competent manner, and it will continue to do so. At no time has the Government attempted to reduce discussion to a simplistic level. It is a difficult issue. It requires consultation, and that has occurred; it requires understanding of the changing demographic and social needs, and that is occurring. The Government has shown that it is responding in a most responsible and competent manner.
MR COLLAERY (4.51): There have been comprehensive arguments put to the Assembly in support of my colleague Mr Humphries' motion, which the Rally supports, of course. Our colleague Mr Moore referred to the writings of one L.J. Schweinhart and produced data relating to a study, I believe, in Michigan or Delaware or somewhere in the United States, on delinquency figures and the rest.
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