Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

ALP Community Services Policy to ‘double kinder fees’

The ALP’s policy on kindergartens is modelled on that of NSW, where kinder fees average $3.48 an hour compared to Victoria's $1.10, according to the Minister for Community Services, Denis Napthine.

As well, the only extra Labor funding for kinders — $1 a week for those on health care cards child — is only to be provided if gambling increases.

The Labor policy also involves costly State Government regulation of family day care.

Dr Napthine said the ALP must be honest about details of the proposed transfer of pre-school administration from the Department of Human Services, to Education.

"The Coalition did a major review of the subject of a transfer to education two years ago and was told firmly by parents they did not see it in their children’s best interests.

"The Coalition values parents’ input through committees. However, under Labor’s deal with the education union, they will have no control over their children’s development or the staff," the Minister said.

"The Kennett Government has expanded the range of settings in which children can attend pre-school, including allowing School Councils to auspice preschool programs. But we believe that the choice of establishing school links should lie with parents.

"Again, this is not something parents are calling for," said Dr Napthine. "It is a policy driven by Trades Hall and sections of the child care industry. The result would be higher costs for parents as family day care providers passed on the costs of complying with this new layer of red tape."

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Youth and Community Services, 30 August 1999)