Media Releases

The Nationals Member for Rodney Paul Weller has expressed disappointment at the Federal Labor Government’s decision to discontinue funding for the Take A Break Occasional Care program.

In State Parliament today Mr Weller said families right across the electorate were upset by the move and deeply concerned about their future child care options.

He said the cessation of the TAB Occasional Care service would have a detrimental impact on communities right across regional Victoria.

“In recent weeks I have been contacted by parents from Kyabram, Nathalia, Tongala, Barmah and Merrigum who are desperate for this important service to continue in their communities.

“Without it, many families have no other option when it comes to accessing affordable child care.”

Federal funding for the TAB Occasional Care program, originally funded on a 70 per cent Commonwealth and 30 per cent State basis, was discontinued in the May 2010 Budget.

Mr Weller said the decision meant services were due to cease on June 30, 2010, however the then Victorian Government agreed to fund the Federal Government’s share for one year until June 30, 2011 in a one-off commitment.

“Upon its election, the Coalition Government formally requested the Gillard Government to reinstate TAB Occasional Care funding, as the program could not be sustained on State funding alone,” he said.

“Unfortunately the Gillard Government failed to respond to Victoria’s request, and the 2011-12 Federal Budget failed to reinstate the program.

“The Victorian Coalition extended the transition arrangements until 31 December 2011, however the State cannot be expected to take over the Federal Government’s funding responsibility.”

Mr Weller commended the Baillieu-Ryan Coalition Government for committing to reinstate Victoria’s funding share if the Federal Government honoured its responsibility.

He said it was now up to the Gillard Government to come on board and re-instate funding as a matter of urgency to ensure the vital service was retained.