Working Parents Right to Choose Snatched Away

Under a legislative change very quietly introduced by Assistant Minster for Education Sussan Ley late last week, parents who work as Family Day Care Educators can no longer choose to put their child in care with another Family Day Care Educator, even if there are no other options available.

The ban on Family Day Care Educators using Family Day Care for their children was one of four changes to Family Assistance Law introduced to assist the government compliance of the FDC sector.
“The change to Family Assistance law undermines parents’ rights to work and access a range of quality child care options for their children,” said Family Day Care Council of Tasmania President Janelle Brennan.

Family Day Care Council of Tasmania supports the government push towards increased compliance, and to stamp out fraudulent child care operators; however the majority of services are complying with the Law, and long standing, quality child care providers and educators are being punished for the actions of a minority of operators.

There are more than 500 Family Day Care educators across Tasmania providing quality, regulated child care in small groups from registered homes, and this change to the Law could reduce the earning capacity of every one of these small businesses. These Educators offer over 3500 child care places in Tasmania.

Ms Brennan said there has been no consultation with key stakeholders or Family Day Care organisations across the country regarding the change. “Educators feel marginalised and discriminated against. Family Day Care educators choose this profession as they can see the many benefits to children being cared for in unique small group settings, and now they are being told by the Government they can’t have this type of care for their own children.”

Educators who work in a child care centre aren’t restricted in the type of child care they choose for their children, so why should Family Day Care Educators?

Family Day Care Educator Amy Males has a daughter with a disability, and accesses child care with another Educator 1 day a week. Centre based care is not appropriate for her child, and now the only option will be to keep her daughter Lily at home with her and reduce her ability to socialise away from her parents, as well as learn and play in a setting appropriate to her needs. Amy agrees that those doing the wrong thing should be shut down, but doesn’t understand why her daughter should be punished for the wrongdoings of dishonest operators.

Ms Brennan said “We all support tough action against those rorting the system, but that must be done by targeting those who do the wrong thing, not by punishing quality Family Day Care Educators, their children and the families using their care.”
Family Day Care Council of Tasmania President Janelle Brennan