United Voice News
Childcare costs claims alarmist and inaccurate
LHMU, the childcare union, today called on Childcare Queensland to end their alarmist and inaccurate scare campaign about reforms improving the quality of Australian childcare.
The changes, which will see more childcare professionals per child in childcare centres across Australia and the introduction of minimum qualifications, are being phased in over a number of years. Despite this phased approach and economic modelling from Access Economics that shows the cost to parents of these new ratios will be minimal, Childcare Queensland continues its misinformed scare campaign.
Sue Lines, LHMU Assistant National Secretary said “Childcare Queensland consistently uses their so-called ‘independent’ figures to justify their claims that improved ratios will cost parents $110 dollars a week per child. This is grossly inflated compared to Access Economics’ statement that it will be $8.67 per week after government subsidies.
“By calling for the delay of these reforms, groups such as Childcare Queensland and the Liberal Party are threatening the future of Australian children. The vast body of research shows that greater exposure to quality childcare professionals is beneficial for children,” said Sue Lines.
Tweed Heads childcare director Judy Radich, who has already introduced the ratios in parts of her centre, said providers have a responsibility to not be alarmist and provide the best possible education and care for children.
“We don’t have to do this tomorrow: we have plenty of time to phase in these changes. As childcare providers we have a responsibility to the children to provide the best education and care possible and improved staffing levels will help us do that,” said Judy Radich.
And Parkes based childcare director Lindy Farrant can see from her own experience that these changes won’t have a significant impact on fees. Lindy Farrant said “We have been operating as a community based not for profit centre at these improved ratios for years and they’ve had no major effect on the fees we charge. It’s really exciting that a government is taking such an interest in childcare.”
“The real winner in high quality centres like these is the Australian child. However, if Childcare Queensland and the Liberal Party have their way, children across the nation will be left behind and Australian childcare professionals will continue to be overworked and unable to provide the highest standard of education and care that is every child’s right,” Sue Lines said.
