A rally organised by the ACT Childcare Campaign Committee outside Parliament House today highlighted the importance of quality childcare and the responsibility of everyone to value and recognise the expertise of childcare professionals.
The rally demonstrated support for all those working in children’s services and asked Government to commit to better funding for childcare.
The rally was addressed by parents, Emily Brissenden and James Macken, childcare professional Leanne Martin, Lynda Stubbs from the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union and Shadow Minister for Children and Youth, Senator Jacinta Collins, and ACT Senator Kate Lundy.
Parent Emily Brissenden spoke about the difficulty in finding a child care place and need to increase the Childcare Cash Benefit.
“Our expectations of childcare professionals are high, parents are unable to pay more for childcare and childcare professionals every day earn our respect, but do not receive appropriate pay and conditions,” she said.
Leanne Martin told the rally how much she valued working with young children. But despite formal qualifications and her responsibilities to children, families and co-workers, Leanne earns less than in many other professions which don’t require comparable qualifications.
James Macken outlined what he described as the “juggling act” working parents face with finding suitable and affordable childcare.
Lynda Stubbs spoke of the union efforts to represent those working in the childcare sector, where the current rate of pay for trained childcare workers is $11.99 per hour.
“Labor is concerned about the Howard Government’s agenda to redevelop the support funding for childcare. The focus seems to be more on budget constraints than on needed services and Family Day Care providers are increasingly uncertain about the future of operational funding,” said Senator Jacinta Collins.
“Labor has heard that some co-ordination units will walk away from delivering Family Day Care without the needed operational funding.
“By refusing to assure funding for Family Day Care before December 2003, Minister Anthony is being irresponsible and is exacerbating the crisis in childcare.”
Media Contacts: Adina Cirson 0418 488 295 (Senator Lundy)
Senator Jacinta Collins 0418 991 757 Lizzie Blandthorn 0407 689 244
