Robert Oakeshott (Lyne, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Employment Participation and Childcare, in writing, on 16 August 2011:

In respect of proposed changes in the regulation of childcare ratios to be put before COAG in 2011, is it a fact that the ratio of staff to children in smaller centres for the age group of 2-3 years is proposed to be changed from 1:8 to 1:5, commencing in 2012, and that this ratio will also apply to larger centres, but not until 2016; if so, what is the Government doing to overcome the competitive disadvantage that this will have on smaller centres.

Kate Ellis (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment Participation and Childcare) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

Under the National Quality Framework, the ratio of staff to children for the age group of 2-3 years in all centres will move to 1:5 from 1 January 2016. In NSW, the current ratio of 1:8 will continue for this age group in all centres until that time. All services may of course choose to operate at ratios that reflect improved educator to child ratios and are encouraged to do so as part of transitioning to the new ratio but the requirement will remain at 1:8 until 2016.