And while we’re returning to traditional Labor values, like industry subsidy and regional multilateral architecture … it may be high time to take a Chifleyite view of childcare.
The previous government saddled us with this uncomfortable marriage of government subsidy and predatory private operators, a position that now seems to be increasingly uncomfortable for parents and Government alike, as ABC Learning twists and turns, milking government money in the hope of something close to profit.
Childcare subsidies will cost the Australian taxpayer $1.6 billion over the next four years, an investment into a sector that leaves government with a big bill but no control over the actions of operators, one of whom, conspicuously, is now attempting to monetise July’s subsidy hike today in its desperate corporate death throes. It might be better, dare we say it, to turn those funds from subsidy to acquisition. And then there’s the banks…
Ummm, interesting article and seems to be taken from a position of someone who doesn’t have their child in care. I’m not saying that ABC is a saint, but they only represent 10% of the total childcare market and 30% of the long term day care.
The experience that I have seen is far greater wastage of time, money and resources in the community base or smaller child care operators. The main reason for ABC’s success has been about bring a consistent level of care to all centres they manage and managing that across a number of centres.
At the end of the day, people want affordable child care that is accessible. Private vs Public, the cost to government of taking over all childcare would be far higher than having a private sector. Fundamentally, the private sector is about delivering profit, typically by reducing or gaining cost efficiencies. Public sector Chifleyite view would be about delivering service regardless of the cost. The question is can we as a nation afford to fund publicly childcare to a level far greater than the 1.6 billions today or use that money elsewhere? To address social equally that make people work extra jobs to support a basic life and having to view child care as a necessity to achieve that?
A vast improvement from yesterday’s effort. More please.
Good on you Crikey….it is well past time profit-taking was removed from this absolutely crucial aspect of life in Australia. Perhaps recessions and good sense go together? Lets hope so!