United Voice News
Child carers in stress distress
A delegation of childcare professionals came to Parliament House yesterday to talk with Maxine McKew about the big changes coming to childcare in Australia.
BIG STEPS in childcare campaign supporters Christie Goss, Natalie Sarapuk and Caitlin Hatley delivered almost 2000 letters from childcare professionals across Australia to McKew saying what they need to provide quality childcare. McKew is the Parliamentary Secretary for Early Childhood Education and Childcare.
Christie (from Tasmania), Natalie (from NSW) and Caitlan (from the ACT) joined Louise Tarrant, National Secretary of the LHMU the childcare union, to brief McKew on the reality of working as a childcare professional. They discussed what needs to change to fix the crisis in this essential service for children and to create better jobs for childcare professionals. They told McKew they want:
- Lower ratios to ensure we have enough time to provide quality childcare.
- Better wages to attract and retain quality staff in the sector.
- Opportunities for continuing training and development.
- Recognition of our valuable role and existing skills.
