ADF families caught in ABC uncertainty

27-November-2008

The Hon Bob Baldwin MP
Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Personnel and Assisting Shadow Minister for Defence

Mrs Sophie Mirabella MP
Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education, Childcare, Women and Youth

The Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Personnel and Shadow Minister for Childcare and Early Childhood Education have today expressed serious concern about the possible effects of ABC Learning Centre closures on Defence Force families, especially those families already dealing with the stress and upheaval of a member serving on operational deployment.

“The men and women of the ADF make an extraordinary contribution and sacrifice to the defence of our Nation. It is astounding that not one of the Defence ABC Learning Centres has been confirmed to remain open in 2009. It is absolutely vital that the Government have a coherent strategy to assist and support those defence families that may face centre closures in the New Year,” Mr Baldwin said.

“It is a dire situation that Defence families have found themselves in and there has never been a more important time for the Rudd Government to finally demonstrate some leadership on this issue,” Mrs Mirabella said.

The Government must appreciate the exceptional circumstances of Defence Force families and cease the endless spin cycle on this issue. The Minister must take immediate action to protect and reassure Defence familles now dealing with the prospect of centre closures when in some cases one or even both parents may be on deployment,” Mr Baldwin said.

“Minister for Education Julia Gillard and missing in action Parliamentary Secretary for Childcare Maxine McKew need to understand the particular imperative Defence families have for competent and functioning childcare. The Government can act now to give certainty to defence families. There are providers prepared to take over the defence contract from ABC Learning. Why hasn’t the Government acted decisively to give the defence contract for Defence Childcare Centres to another provider,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“The Government must act now, to protect Defence Families now facing uncertainty about the future care of their children, and immediately announce a plan that ensures Defence families will be assisted if these centres close in 2009,” Mr Baldwin and Mrs Mirabella concluded.