AMA supports call for more childcare places
Eminent paediatrician, Dr Michael Rice, today supported Family and Community Services Minister, Larry Anthony's call for the Government to remove the cap on the number of available childcare places by the end of the year.
Dr Rice, who chairs the AMA's Child and Youth Health Committee, said the cap has effectively excluded many children from appropriate, high quality care.
"The Government's focus on the bottom line has forced many school aged children to go home to empty homes.
"The AMA welcomes this step towards a better deal for our kids. It acknowledges the importance of quality, approved care.
"Children are among the most vulnerable members of our community. We have a duty to ensure they are safe.
"The Government has secured significant savings by capping the number of childcare places available. It's time to put the money back.
"Parents are desperate for these places but we need to ensure that the increased places are high quality. This requires more than just lifting the cap. Childcare is not just about available places. Childcare offers the opportunity to complement what happens at home.
"Well coordinated family day care is a viable alternative for families, especially those with children under two years old.
"Childcare is an important community health resource for families and as such needs to be supported and developed in a coordinated way.
"The AMA supports Mr Anthony's optimism for a solution by the end of the year, but warns sustained investment in infrastructure and training will be required in support of the increased places.
"Better pay for childcare staff will encourage higher levels of training and higher quality care provision," Dr Rice said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306