August 12, 2011
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has vowed to continue to fight the Gillard Government’s decision to slash funding for childcare in towns like Heyfield.
Mr Chester in conjunction with Deputy Premier Peter Ryan and Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull visited the Heyfield Community Resource Centre where an occasional childcare service is run through the ‘Take a Break’ program and spoke with families and staff that will be affected by the cuts.
The ‘Take a Break’ program was jointly funded by State and Federal Governments with the Victorian Government providing 30 per cent and the Commonwealth 70 per cent.
The Federal Government withdrew its share of the funding at the 2010/11 Budget and the State Government has indicated that it will discontinue funding the program from December 31 this year unless the Commonwealth funding is reinstated.
“As part of a cost cutting measure the Gillard Labor Government decided not to provide its share of the funding and now we are facing a situation where young families in Gippsland will not have access to occasional childcare when the money runs out at the end of this year,” Mr Chester said.
“I am appalled that a government which is wasting $25 million on climate change advertising propaganda says it can’t find just $12 million to continue a much needed program.
“You would have to question the priorities of a Prime Minister who is trying to save her job with an advertising campaign on the carbon tax but is refusing to help Gippsland families who need access to occasional childcare so mums and dads can earn a living or benefit from having their children interacting with others.”
Mr Chester said he would table the petition when Parliament resumes next week. He has encouraged any families affected by the funding cuts to occasional childcare services to contact his office on 5144 6744 so he can take their concerns to Canberra.