Moncrieff Media
More closures imminent for ABC Learning
15 January 2009
Fears are mounting for the future of two local ABC Learning Centres which have been deemed ‘unviable’ and face closure in March.
Local MP Steven Ciobo is fighting to keep the two centres open and is urging parents with children at ABC Ashmore Central and ABC Nerang East to sign his petition against the closures.
One Nerang centre was already forced to close its doors in December, leaving 47 families without childcare as they start the New Year, but Mr Ciobo is determined to lobby the Government in a bid to prevent further closures.
Mr Ciobo said it was devastating news for Gold Coast families who should be able to return to work after the Christmas break confident their children would have quality childcare.
“The Rudd Labor Government claims to be working with the new Receiver in determining the future of all ABC Learning Centres that have been deemed ‘unviable’ and are being kept operational until March,” Mr Ciobo said.
“However, I know many parents are still concerned, which is why I have prepared a petition to be distributed among local families.
“There is now a cloud of uncertainly hanging over the heads of families with children at ABC Ashmore Central and ABC Nerang East.
“Local childcare places are already stretched. Will ABC Ashmore Central and Nerang East be forced to close in March and what impact will this have on the community"
“How far from home or work will local parents now have to travel to drop their children off to childcare, and will they be forced back onto a waiting list first?
“We’re already at a stage where Gold Coast parents are putting their name on waiting lists before their child is even born, these closures will only exacerbate the problem.”
Australian taxpayers will have to pay an extra $34 million to keep 241 unviable centres across Australia open until 31 March, 2009.