Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says Education Minister Julia Gillard must open lines of communication with the childcare sector in general, beyond her meeting with Labor backbenchers and the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union today.

“It is encouraging to see that the Minister is meeting with Labor backbenchers and the LMHU – but when will she commit to meeting with the service providers in the childcare sector?” she said.

Senator Hanson-Young called on Minister Gillard to rule out a takeover of ABC Learning Centres by another corporation.

“Another giant corporate entity must not be permitted to sweep in and snap up ABC Learning Centres at a bargain-basement rate, and risk this situation happening again in the future,” she said.

“Minister Gillard must rule out the prospect of another corporation being allowed to prioritise profit over workers’ conditions and entitlements and the quality of care of our youngest children.”

Senator Hanson-Young said there were a number of issues around ABC Learning to which Minister Gillard is yet to respond.

“With only 30 days remaining until the Government’s $22 million prop-up of ABC Learning expires, parents, childcare operators and workers need answers now,” she said.

“The Senate supported my move for an emergency summit on November 11, but the Minister is still yet to say when it will happen.

“What I’m hearing from the childcare providers on the ground, and from parents with kids in care, is that they see this situation as an emergency requiring open dialogue between government and the sector.”

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760