Emma Kealy & Jade Benham – Closures expose ‘childcare desert’ woes
Friday 19 July 2024
Deputy Leader of the Nationals, Emma Kealy and The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, have declared the loss of childcare centres in Hopetoun and Kaniva as a devastating blow to local families.
Ms Benham said the closure of such vital childcare centres due to a lack of qualified staff cuts deep in local communities.
“It is not just the loss of a childcare centre, it is the loss of a community hub, a place of learning, and a source of support for many families,” Ms Benham said.
“As things stand, too many regional communities are classified as ‘childcare deserts’ – meaning there are more than three children competing for each place at local childcare facilities.”
The closure will leave many families scrambling for alternative childcare options, which are already limited in our rural areas. Working parents will face significant challenges balancing their professional responsibilities with the need to find suitable and affordable childcare.
Ms Kealy said The Victorian Nationals were working hard to address the ongoing childcare crisis in regional Victoria by developing a specialised policy initiative to enable predominately working women to return to the workforce.
“While The Allan Labor Government is bragging about new centres in northern Victoria it is completely blind to the true issues around workforce issues facing the regions,” Ms Kealy said.
“Our communities need urgent government assistance. We cannot continue to see essential services like childcare disappear due to staffing shortages.
“The problem is not only Labor’s failed workforce policies, but a lack of investment in new childcare facilities, with Labor in recent months abandoning its plans to build more childcare facilities.
“The Nationals are actively seeking input from the local community whether from educators, parents, family members, or service providers to shape their policy.”
Those interested in contributing to The Nationals’ childcare and early learning policy can contact Ms Kealy’s office directly on 03 5382 0097 or via email at [email protected]