BLUE MOUNTAINS CHILD CARE CRISIS
April 20, 2007

Bob Debus, the ALP candidate for the federal seat of Macquarie, today accused the Howard Government of neglecting the needs of working families in Faulconbridge and Hazelbrook.

New figures from the Child Care Access Hotline revealed that there were no long-day-care places available in Faulconbridge and Hazelbrook. The nationwide survey pinpointed 33 other areas across Australia that were devoid of long-day care vacancies.

“I am appalled by the lack of support for working families in Hazelbrook and Faulconbridge,” said Mr Debus.

“Parents know how hard it is to get child care places. This just shows how out of touch Mr Howard is with the concerns of ordinary mums and dads with young children.

“There’s no point having a vacancy in Penrith if you live in Hazelbrook.

There’s no point having a vacancy for four-year-olds if you’ve got a two-year old.”

Mr Debus said the supply of decent, affordable childcare was also vital to Blue Mountains employers.

“Small business is the life-blood of our communities and high-quality child care is fundamental to guaranteeing jobs and prosperity for all in our communities.

“Parents who could be working are staying at home because there is no-one to care for their children.”