BANKS CHILD CARE FEES ALMOST $400/WK

Child care fees in the Banks electorate are now averaging almost $400 per week for parents working full-time, David Coleman MP, Federal Member for Banks revealed today.

Mr Coleman hosted the Banks Ministerial Childcare Forum with Federal Assistant Minister for Education, Sussan Ley, who he invited to Banks to hear local concerns from child care providers.

Mr Coleman said access to affordable and flexible child care was a priority for residents in the Banks electorate and he was working with the Minister to deliver it.

“It’s really concerning when we’ve got families in Banks who can’t afford to go back to work because child care is too expensive,” Mr Coleman said.

“That’s why the Coalition’s decision to task the Productivity Commission to look at ways to make child care more affordable, flexible and accessible is essential for families in our community”.

Ms Ley said the Productivity Commission Inquiry has received over 1100 submissions from around the country.

Ms Ley also addressed the Forum which brought together child care providers from across Banks.

“[The Minister] addressed the major changes in assessments and ratings that are affecting our industry,” Jenny Koutoulas, Director of Kids & Co at the Grove, South Hurstville, said.

“The forum provided good open discussion and the opportunity for local providers to voice our concerns”.