clarity from the Federal Government
put in place for essential workers and others
transition to ensure a viable future
The Federal Government must
act urgently to implement a planned closure of childcare services, or risk the
collapse of the sector.
Labor Leader Rebecca White
said many centres are struggling to remain viable as children are withdrawn
from care in large numbers.
“People are taking their
children out of care either because they’ve lost work, or to help reduce the
spread of the virus,” Ms White said.
“Childcare centres are
reliant to a degree on Federal Government funding, yet there’s no clarity from
government on how centres will be supported to survive the COVID-19 crisis.
“There must be an orderly
and supported closure of childcare centres, in line with the same principles of
school closures, to protect the future viability of those businesses, the need
for ongoing care for some children, and the health and safety of childcare
workers and the children they care for.
“The approach for the
childcare sector must mirror that taken for schools, where childcare would
remain available for children who still require care – such as the children of
essential workers.
“If childcare centres fail, there will be no option for those families, workers and children.”
Rebecca White
Labor Leader
