OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE

In reply to Mr PISONI (Unley) (26 June 2009).

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Early Childhood Development, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister Assisting the Premier in Cabinet Business and Public Sector Management): I am advised:

Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) provides an important service to families across the state.

Figures from the Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations (DEEWR) indicate that 21,732 families in South Australia used OSHC in the December quarter, 2008.

In South Australia there are 202 OSHC services operated by school governing councils.

For the period ending 31 December 2008, 49 OSHC services recorded an operating loss, of which the majority recorded an operating loss of less than $10,000.

These figures are a snapshot in time and may not be an accurate reflection of the true financial position. For example, some services hold Child Care Benefit funds in a separate holding account until they are acquitted, which results in revenue being understated.

OSHC services operated by school or governing councils are provided on a fee for service basis, and do not receive operational funding from the state government. Services are funded through a combination of the fees paid for care and Australian Government funding through the Child Care Benefit and Child Care Tax Rebate. Some targeted funding for services that provide care to children with special needs or a disability are provided through the Intervac program.

The Department of Education and Children's Services does not maintain a centralised record for unpaid fees. Each service is responsible for ensuring that appropriate policies are in place that cover all operational matters, including fee collection processes.