Child Care

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young calling for the Government "to immediately make available capital grants funds and operational costs to assist not-for-profit child care providers in taking over the remaining centres".

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) the Government’s second prop-up of $34 million to keep ABC Learning operating until 31 March 2009, is due to expire in 2 weeks time, and

(ii) of the 241 failed centres due to be sold or closed, to date only 65 have been sold;

(b) recognises that this crisis represents an opportunity for child care in Australia to be transformed from a market-driven industry to a vital community service and a government-supported first step in lifelong learning; and

(c) calls on the Government to immediately make available capital grants funds and operational costs to assist not-for-profit child care providers in taking over the remaining centres.