February 12, 2010
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has expressed his frustration at the lack of progress in establishing a childcare service in Yarram.
Speaking in Federal Parliament this week, Mr Chester said the there needs to be more action after the promise of a facility by both sides of politics in the lead-up to the 2007 election.
“Prior to the 2007 election, establishing a childcare centre in Yarram had bipartisan support,” Mr Chester told Parliament.
“We had a strong endorsement by the Labor candidate and the Coalition candidate at the time also expressed strong support for the establishment of childcare services in Yarram.”
Citing an article from the Yarram Standard on October 31, 2007, Mr Chester read:
‘Labor backs childcare centre – the Labor Party has pledged to offer child care services in Yarram if voted to government on November 24 …’
‘Ms Rowe, the Labor candidate – has pledged a child care centre would be incorporated into a broader community centre, rather than a stand alone complex.’
“Unfortunately for the community precious little has happened since the election which resulted in a change of government. Almost three years later the issue of a Yarram childcare service has not been resolved,” Mr Chester said.
“I am personally frustrated and disappointed – and I know the community is as well – with the lack of progress, but the community does remain determined to secure such a service in the future, and I will continue to back the Yarram community 100% on this very important local issue.
“The provision of appropriate childcare services from Yarram remains an issue that I would like to work in partnership with the Federal Government on to solve in the months ahead.”
Mr Chester said establishing a childcare service in Yarram is a key to attracting professional workers, particularly doctors, to the region.
“Without childcare services, it is very difficult for a small regional centre to secure professional services and professional people in a whole range of industries,” Mr Chester said.
“I have no doubt that it would be easier for the Yarram community to attract professional people such as doctors in the future with an established childcare service in place. The community remains determined to secure such a service in the future and I’ll continue to work with the committee in place to investigate a range of issues, including the best location, a suitable operational model and funding opportunities.”