Media Release by Senator the Hon Kay Patterson

National Childcare Accreditation Council Board Appointments

Four new appointments and one re-appointment to the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) Board are an indication of the Howard Government’s commitment to ensuring high quality child care services.

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, in announcing the appointment today, said the NCAC would continue to support services to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children.

“The NCAC is responsible for the administration of Quality Assurance systems for child care services,” Senator Patterson said.

“It plays a critical role in oversighting and supporting child care services to ensure they provide services of the highest quality. The appointments I announced today provide a strong mix of skills, knowledge and commitment to enhancing quality in the child care sector.

“The new appointments include Ms Geraldine Atkinson, who specialises in education, community development and indigenous issues and Mr Andrew Clarke, who has expertise in corporate governance.

“Other appointees are Ms Pam Jackson, who is currently performing a training and support role for Darwin Family Day Care and Ms Marie Lewis, who has a strong background in a range of operational and academic roles.

“They have been appointed for two years and will join the existing Chairperson, Mr John Tainton, and members, Ms Judy Atkinson and Ms Helen Hobson, who has been re-appointed until 1 April 2006.

“Mr Tainton will continue as Chair, continuing to guide the ongoing development and management of the Board. His commitment to quality child care and early childhood issues is invaluable to the development and management of quality child care systems in our country. Departing Board members include Ms Judy Kynaston, Ms Andrea Larkin and Ms Jenny Mobbs and I commend their service as members of the Board.

“The NCAC Board is central to the Howard Government’s dedication to making quality child care available to all Australian children,” Senator Patterson said.