Ms ANDERSON - 2010-11-24
- Michael and Sarah France’s letter in the Centralian Advocate on Tuesday, 16 November stated that Alice Springs is an unrealistic place to raise a family. Childcare waiting lists in Alice Springs are closed and family day care requires at least 14 new carers before they will open their list. What are you doing to support the families in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her interest in children. I understand very well the plight of parents; I was in the same situation when I had to put my son on a waiting list for eight months before he could attend childcare. Because we are a young population, there is always demand for childcare services.
The Northern Territory government is the only government in Australia which provides a childcare subsidy. Many of these places are fully funded by the federal government, not the Northern Territory government. We are pleased to work with the federal government to provide more spaces, and we beg the federal government to supply more places. We will do our bit, we will provide the subsidy. I sympathise with people who cannot find a place for their children.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016