"Nanny state" government not needed - Mirabella

22-May-2009

The Rudd Government’s “nanny state” universal approach to early childhood and childcare is undermining the confidence of parents and they should refocus their efforts on “at risk” children, Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education & Childcare Sophie Mirabella told the National Family Daycare conference today.

“The new Healthy Eating guidelines as part of the National Framework are a case in point. Let’s worry about the child that is sent to school or childcare without breakfast, rather than lecture parents on alternatives to celebrating birthdays with a cake,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“This is an area of public policy that needs a high dose of common sense above all else. We need to be careful not to undermine the confidence of parents to make their own choices about what is best for their children, remembering that only around 30% of under 5 year olds are in formal care and less than 10% of those under 1 year old.”

“The Government has a role to play in ensuring adequate standards and providing practical intervention and support for those families who are “at risk”. But beyond that they shouldn’t be setting their own politically correct agenda for what social values children must learn, or looking over the shoulder of parents to counsel them about an occasional treat they slip into their child’s lunchbox.”

Mrs Mirabella told the conference that she was deeply concerned that the Government’s rhetoric about the need for “highly qualified” childcare workers sent a message to all parents that unless you are a qualified professional you are providing substandard care for your child.

“I am concerned that the emphasis on formal qualifications for absolutely everyone involved in childcare is a little misguided,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“What very young children need is secure attachment in a stimulating environment with someone who cares for them and engages with them. That is how they learn. They don’t need theory or curriculum.”

Mrs Mirabella said the Coalition would simplify the childcare accreditation system, make sure that standards were practical and properly enforced, and focus resources and programs on “at risk” children who need assistance the most.

After addressing the conference, Mrs Mirabella said she thought that Parliamentary Secretary Maxine McKew’s speech the day before was “slightly Orwellian” and really underscored the Government’s “nanny state” approach.

“The Parliamentary Secretary actually declared: “There will soon be a new parental mantra that goes: I send my child to a centre that meets or exceeds the national standard.” Honestly, a mantra for parents? A mantra that they must send their child to be cared for by a government-approved Centre?”

“I find it all a little disconcerting. We’re talking about children. The Government’s approach seems to be highly theoretical and academic – it’s about Frameworks, Committees and pedagogies. And it’s essentially a backhanded swipe at the majority of parents who make the choice to care for their own child in those crucial early years.”

“The fact is, the vast majority of parents are doing the right thing and instinctively making decisions about what is best for their child – as parents have done for centuries. Policy makers shouldn’t undermine that or take responsibility away from parents.”