CHILDCARE CENTRES

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:06): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, representing the Minister for Education and Child Development, questions regarding staffing at childcare centres.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: Late last year the minister entered into discussions with Childcare South Australia to come to a compromise position with regard to the ratio of staff required when supervising two to three year olds. This was surrounding consultation regarding the Education and Early Childhood Services (Registration and Standards) Bill. I understand that the minister agreed to stepping the ratio down to 1:8 in 2016, and then reducing it further to 1:5 in 2020.

This unequivocal and unqualified agreement was made with Childcare South Australia at a meeting on 4 November and was confirmed again unequivocally by the minister on radio and in a media release. I understand the minister has recently contacted Childcare SA indicating that this gradual step down will only apply if it is ratified at the national council of ministers. Understandably, Childcare SA is alarmed at this, as no mention of the ratification was made during negotiations and, had it been made clear to it, it would not have been of a mind to agree to the proposal. My questions are:

1. Was the minister aware at the time that ratification by the national council of ministers would be required before South Australia could adopt this step down?

2. If so, why was it not mentioned to Childcare SA?

3. Can the minister advise whether South Australia is able to adopt the step down without the agreement of the national council of ministers?

4. Will the minister give a commitment to continue discussions with Childcare SA about this issue?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:08): I thank the honourable member for his most important questions on future staffing levels at childcare centres. I undertake to take that question to the Minister for Education and Child Development in the other place and seek a response on his behalf.