Brighton electorate
Mr NEWBURY (Brighton) (14:50): (6200) My constituency question is to the Premier, and I ask: is the state Labor government considering committing financial support towards the upgrade of three childcare centres in my region before they are forced to close? Port Philip council is being forced to close three childcare centres, including the Elwood childcare centre. The centres are aged and need significant upgrades which the council cannot afford. Labor has been using weasel words and will not commit to financial support. For background, the Elwood childcare centre is a community-run centre that has operated since 1985. It offers 35 places per day. Currently there are 16 full-time staff, 55 families and 65 children enrolled. The centre’s closure would have a significant impact on Elwood. Council has previously confirmed that there is already a shortfall of childcare places in Elwood. Elwood knows the state government does not invest in our area and remembers their plan to kick Lady Forster Kindergarten out from the Elwood foreshore. Premier, will you save the kindies? Yes or no?