Media Release by Senator the Hon Kay Patterson

Calls for greater action by States and Territories within child care planning

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Jim Lloyd, Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, and Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, the Hon Jim Lloyd, today called for State, Territory and Local Governments to factor child care into their future planning development.The Ministers have called for action from the State and Territory Ministers ahead of today’s Planning Ministers meeting in Melbourne.

“All levels of government can, and should, take an active role in planning for the child care needs of their local communities, ensuring parents have access to high quality child care,” said Minister Patterson.

“State, Territory and Local Governments play a vital role in supporting the provision of child care, therefore it is important they identify areas where planning mechanisms for child care could be further maximised.”

Minister Patterson said she was disappointed the Chair of the Planning Minister’s meeting, Candy Broad did not see this as a priority and had refused her request to attend today’s meeting.

“I am encouraged by the efforts of some States and Territories including Victorian Minister for Community Services, Sherryl Garbutt, who recently called for a consolidated approach by government in a paper submitted at the Community and Disability Services Ministers’ Council.

“The paper calls for greater cooperation by all governments in planning for the child care needs of families.

“However her own colleague Victorian Planning Minister Candy Broad has rejected my attempts to present a paper at today’s meeting.

“We strongly urge Ms Garbutt to encourage her colleague Ms Broad and other States and Territories to take a more proactive approach to meeting the child care needs of families,” Senator Patterson said.

Minister Lloyd said he would be encouraging the States and Territories at the Local Government and Planning Minister’s Council to contribute actively to planning for child care, and to consider the benefits of consolidation in child care planning.

“We hope today marks the beginning of greater enthusiasm and cooperation from all levels of government in the dedication to providing quality child care for Australian families,” said Minister Lloyd.