QLD: State Gov. says report shows federal Gov. spending cuts

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-1999
QLD: State Gov. says report shows federal Gov. spending cuts

Queensland Families Minister ANNA BLIGH says a report showing most child care closures are
occurring in poorer areas shows the destructive impacts of federal government cuts in
spending.

A new study prepared by the federal opposition shows that between July 1996 and March this
year there were 282 centre closures around Australia against 552 openings.

But most closures were in areas of below average weekly income.

This is while 90 per cent of new centres were privately funded and located in areas where
earnings were up to $51 a week above the Australian norm of $769.

Ms BLIGH says the federal government can't rip more than $850 million out of the child care
system and not expect it to have any effect.

She says Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has pursued a budget surplus at the cost of Queensland
families and children.

AAP RTV rad/lm/jn

KEYWORD: CHILDCARE (BRISBANE)

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