Call for Invermay Child and Family Centre

The Liberal Government should match Labor’s election commitment to build a Child and Family Centre in Invermay following the release of the State of Launceston’s Children report.

Labor took a policy to the March election to build new Child and Family Centres in Invermay and Sorell in Southern Tasmania.

Labor Shadow Education and Training Minister Michelle O’Byrne said the State of Launceston’s Children report highlights the need for an integrated approach to caring for at-risk children and their families.

“Child and Family Centres are a proud Labor initiative that have been highly successful in early intervention and education for at-risk families,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“There is an identified need in Launceston’s northern suburbs for collaborative services like these and the new Government should consider matching Labor’s election commitment.

“It is beyond time for the new Government to show leadership, especially in light of the report’s findings.

“It is alarming that at the same time this report shows so many children going to school hungry that the Government has slashed funding for food organisations such as Second Bite, Produce to the People and Foodbank.”

Ms O’Byrne said the Liberal Party was also long overdue in appointing a new Children’s Commissioner.

“It is disappointing that more than four months after the election the Liberal Government has not made an appointment, particularly as an independent panel had selected an appropriate candidate before the election,” Ms O’Byrne said.
Michelle O’Byrne MP Shadow Education Minister