Page 1084 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 3 May 2006
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
Such a study would provide us with valuable information for organising ACT services and, given that a review of the federal government’s childcare policy is on the cards, it would inform federal policy and funding. Armed with the information on demand, there are a number of ways the ACT government could direct new growth to the areas of unmet need. As I have already suggested, these include the use of schools and other community buildings for childcare; working with childcare providers to identify and develop centres in areas of shortage, including the direct sale of land; and small business support as appropriate.
There are issues of staffing as well as facilities. Parents want skilled childcare workers, high staff to child ratios and appropriate curricula. However, there is a shortage of childcare workers in Canberra—particularly qualified workers—and this motion calls for the ACT government to provide the Assembly with a more accurate picture of the work force and explore options for CIT to offer more childcare training places. There is also a question of affordability. Childcare costs have risen steadily—by 49 per cent from 2000 to 2004. The commonwealth’s childcare benefits scheme is not keeping up with escalating costs and the ACT has the most expensive childcare in Australia.
Many families spend much of their income on childcare. ACOSS makes the point that the childcare rebate system does not alleviate the high cost of childcare, especially for the families in greatest need. In fact, rebates assist those who can afford to pay most in the first place and who can afford to wait to get their rebate. We should remember that early childhood education, which high quality childcare provides, is of greatest developmental benefit to children of families at the poor end of the socio-economic spectrum. Unless something is done to ameliorate the operations of the childcare market, it will continue to serve the interests of those who least need the support.
One key area where availability and cost intercept and create stress is for babies aged from nought to two years. Babies need a much higher ratio of trained staff than toddlers or preschoolers. Federal funding via the childcare rebate goes to parents using the service, not to the centre. Consequently, the costs of holding even one empty baby space can be prohibitive.
One key area where availability and cost intercept and create stress is for babies aged from nought to two years. A much higher ratio of trained staff to babies is required than for toddlers or preschoolers. Federal funding via the childcare rebate goes to parents using the service, not to the centre. Consequently, the costs of holding even one empty baby space can be prohibitive.
This means that a woman needs to put her baby’s name on a waiting list when they are first pregnant. They cannot presume that they will find sufficient childcare at the time they want to return to work. This means that, if childcare is offered to them at any time, they must accept it because they may otherwise lose their chance. They have to be prepared to travel to any centre that can offer them a place, despite inconvenience. If they are offered more childcare than they need, they should take it because, in the end, part-time places are more difficult for centres to manage than full-time ones.
One of the more flexible and responsive models for high quality childcare is for parent-run cooperative childcare centres. Unfortunately, the accreditation and licensing
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .