Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has outlined to State Parliament the childcare difficulties being faced by Central Coast parents.
Crouch’s speech reinforced his sponsorship of an e-petition launched by Bensville mum Jess Coulson’s calling for action on the childcare situation in the region.
“More and more parents are coming forward to talk about their own experiences in trying to access childcare on the Central Coast, and it’s an important part of my role as a Member of Parliament to raise these issues,” Crouch told Parliament.
“Frankly, having to apply to upwards of 20 childcare centres within an (hour’s) travel radius for a slim chance to secure childcare is simply not acceptable for local families and is a constant source of frustration and anxiety.”
Crouch spoke not only on the impacts on parents, but also on childcare centre operators who struggled to operate to full capacity due to staff shortages.
He said the sector was grappling with a shortage of qualified staff leading to burnout and excessive working hours and that a two-pronged approach with the Federal Government was required to make meaningful change.
“It’s simple to build brand new centres like the government is proposing; there is no point if we cannot adequately staff them to meet the needs of families,” he said.
“While there was an increase in the Children’s Service Award, it is still not enough to be an attractive career path for prospective educators – you can earn more working as a call-centre operator than a children’s services employee.”
Speaking in the chamber, Crouch thanked the dozens of families who contacted his office about the impacts of the childcare situation on the Coast and encouraged Coasties to sign the e-petition.
Source:
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch