April 7, 2009
Families and staff at a Traralgon childcare centre have been told this week the centre will close at the end of the month.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said 90 families faced an uncertain future and 15 staff would be unemployed when the Traralgon Early Education Centre in Mapleson Drive closes on May 1, 2009.
“This is stressful time for working families, who must urgently find alternative care, and for their children, who have probably just begun to settle in the new year’s routine,” Mr Chester.
“My thoughts are also with the staff – some are now faced with unemployment for the first time in their life, while also dealing the emotions of leaving the families they have been dedicated to.
Mr Chester has renewed his calls for the Federal Government to undertake an urgent review of childcare services across the board.
“There is clearly a need for the Government to increase the level of funding for regional childcare centres,” Mr Chester said.
“Child care should be considered an essential service in our modern society.
“When it comes to attracting skilled workers to regional areas there is an expectation that quality childcare services will be available for parents.
“The Government must consider a new funding framework for regional and smaller communities to make childcare centres viable in those areas – so that all families across Australia can continue to access high quality childcare.”