New members for National Childcare Accreditation Council

Federal Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony, today announced four new members for the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC), the body that oversees the Quality Improvement and Accreditation System (QIAS) for long day care centres.

Mr Anthony said the new members have diverse backgrounds and would bring a great blend of knowledge and experience.

“The major task facing the Council in the coming months is implementing the revised QIAS and under the leadership of Chairman John Tainton, the new members will bring fresh ideas to meet any challenges that lie ahead,” Mr Anthony said.

The new members are:

• Judy Atkinson, a private long day care centre owner and operator from South Australia.
• Jenny Mobbs, Executive Director of the Lady Gowrie Child Centre in Queensland.
• Andrea Larkin, a consultant from New South Wales with qualifications in both social work and quality assurance.
• Judy Kynaston, Executive Director of the Country Children’s Services Association of New South Wales.

Mr Anthony said the members leaving the Council, Bernadette Giambazi, Tonia Godhard, Dr Maree Bellamy and Jennifer Cashmore AM, had made an enormous contribution that will be missed and wished them well for the future.

“The Federal Government, through the QIAS, can ensure standards important to child development are met and excellence in child practices is encouraged,” said Mr Anthony.

“Both the long day care sector and families using centre-based care eagerly await the implementation of the revised QIAS.

“Cabinet has endorsed the appointment of the new members and I have every confidence in the Council’s ability to meet any expectations.”