Ms Hanson-Young said the government could no longer ignore child care, which is shaping up to become a key election issue.
”The Labor government can’t continue to pretend that nothing needs to be done,” she said. ”The sector needs proper funding reform if it is to lift quality standards and meet the needs of families.”
A national survey of 230 child-care centres conducted by the Greens in January found that fees were increasing while availability was declining in a number of areas.
Rachel Browne, SMH (12/3/2013)
An inquiry into the funding of ECEC could potentially be very positive for the sector and for children. The current funding model is heavily weighted in favour of profiteering private operators and makes raising quality standards very difficult.
But history tells us that the inquiry would likely focus on waiting lists, fees and workforce participation rather than the best interests of children.
Liam McNicholas 