Regional Childcare Services

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:53): I have a supplementary question: would the minister consider modifying the Thriving Regions Fund or grants to specifically target childcare shortage applications?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:54): I thank the honourable member for her question. Obviously, I am never closed off to any ideas about refinements or changes to the Thriving Regions Fund; however, I would certainly want to be very conscious of their vast range of needs, which are often the subject of applications to the Thriving Regions Fund. I think it could very easily become only a childcare fund if what is being proposed by the honourable member was to be put into place.

I think it is important to acknowledge the vast range of types of applications that have come to the fund. We have three different streams: the Strengthening Industries stream, the Thriving Communities Program, as well as the Enabling Infrastructure Program. The Thriving Communities Program provides grants of between $20,000 and $50,000 and has been very popular. If I recall correctly that aspect has included some expansions to childcare services in at least one area and I think possibly several more. Certainly, it is possible to apply under the Enabling Infrastructure Program as well and each case would be considered on its merits.