Working families will feel cut pain

IT’S concerning to learn one of the most accessible and affordable forms of childcare in Geelong is under threat because of planned Federal Government cuts.

Family day care is used by scores of working families, who, for various reasons, opt to have their children cared for in a home environment rather than a childcare centre.

There are about 350 children in the City of Greater Geelong cared for through family day care. But, according to the program’s peak body, those families will have to pay significantly more when the Government’s mooted funding cuts take effect.

The Geelong council — which runs the family day care program — also warns the service will be compromised if there are funding cuts and support staff could be sacked.

Working Geelong families dependent on family day care do not need this blow.

We agree with Corio MP Richard Marles: “The mums and dads of Geelong deserve better.”