Regional Childcare Services

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (15:11): Supplementary: given the benefits for country South Australia, will the minister be advocating for funding for regional community-based childcare facilities across our state more broadly?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:11): I am always advocating for increased child care. I remember being at the Jamestown Show a couple of years ago, on a panel with the Hon. Rob Kerin, former Premier of South Australia, where child care was one of the specific issues. It's certainly something that continues to play a big part in the various regional development conversations that I have.

Whilst child care specifically of course is a responsibility of the federal government, it's certainly encouraging that there are ways in which we are nevertheless able to support. Members would also be aware that in some of our regional towns the councils are involved in providing childcare services. If other proponents put forward a project to future grant rounds, I am sure they will be considered on their merits.