Minister announces extra family day care for QLD

The Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony, today announced a further 210 family day care places for Queensland, as part of the Federal Government’s on-going commitment to working families.

Mr Anthony said $247,947, including establishment grants and funds to buy educational resources and play equipment, would be distributed among 14 sponsoring organisations, including church groups, councils, community groups and existing family day care schemes.

“The new places have been allocated to areas of greatest need throughout the south, south-west and far north of the state, including Rockhampton, Longreach, Atherton, Boonah, Noosa, Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Ipswich,” he said.

“Family day care is an integral part of the Government’s overall child care program and is characterised by its flexibility and responsiveness to community needs.

“The care needs of Australian families are as different as the families themselves.

“Some parents require extended care for their children while they are employed in shift work, working on weekends or working late. Under these circumstances family day care is a highly desirable and workable option.

“Family day care provides flexible, supervised care in the private home of an authorised care provider and is an essential element of the Government’s overall child care focus.”

Mr Anthony said Childcare Assistance of $668,604 was available to eligible families accessing the new places.

“Childcare Assistance is a federally funded subsidy paid through Centrelink to assist middle and low-income families offset the cost of formal care,” he said.

“In the last financial year alone, Childcare Assistance of $1.1 billion was paid to Australians who needed help with the cost of child care.

“The Government’s child care program is testimony to its commitment to provide quality care alternatives for parents who are working, studying and looking for work.”