United Voice News
Mal Brough blocks questions on Coalition's childcare policy at conference
The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Services has blocked questioning of his representative, Senator Kay Patterson, on the Coalition's policy at a major national conference on children's services.
Paul Davies, LHMU National Spokesperson on Children's Services says the ban on questions disappointed delegates at the National Association for Community Based Children's Services (NACBCS) annual conference.
NACBCS Convenor, Lynne Wannan, announced to the conference delegates would be unable to question the politicians. Minister Brough's office told conference organizers it would be unfair to expect Liberal appointed childcare spokesperson, Senator Kay Patterson, to be fluent on her government's childcare policy.
"It is surprising that one week before the Federal election Mal Brough refused to allow his representative to answer questions on an issue which is critical to Australian families."
"Childcare in Australia is in crisis. Delegates at this major national conference of representatives of community-based children's services deserve an opportunity to questions the Coalition on their childcare policy," says Paul Davies.
The delegates at the conference represent staff, parents, local government, church and welfare agencies, educational institutions, social policy analysts, students and policymakers.
"Like others at the conference, the LHMU would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the Coalition's policy, particularly their plans to solve the workforce crisis and to improve affordability."
"There was also keen interest at the conference to find out more about the Coalition's proposed decision-making process for locating future childcare centres."
"Senator Patterson twice told delegates during her speech on the Coalition's childcare policy that after her retirement from the Senate she would be joining them as lobbyist. This was tantamount to an apology on the childcare policy she had been asked to represent one week out from an election," says Paul Davies.
