By ERWIN CHLANDA
The Federal Minister for Social Services Scott Morrison has urged the Central Desert Regional Council to “act in good faith” over the closure of child care centres.
The reason given by the council is “a lack of funding from the Commonwealth Government”.
The council, which this week announced the closure of the third centre, did not respond to enquiries from the Alice Springs News Online.
Readers of the News have raised serious questions about the running of the centres.
Mr Morison said today: “The government provided $484,282 in 2014/15 for up to 30 children to be provided with care by 15 staff members.
“It is disappointing that the Council has taken a decision to close the crèches while negotiations are ongoing.
“I have been advised that on June 24, the Central Desert Regional Council advised the Department it would continue to operate the services until September.
“The Department is confident it will be able to find replacement organisations to continue these services.
“I hope that the Central Desert Regional Council will work in good faith with the Department to find a resolution that is in the best interests of the children and families in these communities,” Mr Morrison said.
The photo is from a media release issued by a professional PR firm apparently hired by the council.
Friday, April 19, 2024
The freedom of the press still furnishes that check upon government which no constitution has ever been able to provide – Chicago Tribune.
The Federal Minister for Social Services Scott Morrison has a point.
One would think that almost half a million dollars and the employment of 15 staff members would keep the centres open for the year.
Yet all three of them have closed.
The council needs to explain exactly what has gone wrong.