Rod Kemp (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Lundy is correct that long day care is currently uncapped. She would have heard the loud cheers that came last night from the Australian community, particularly those with children, when the Treasurer further announced that the government will remove the limit on the number of subsidised outside school hours care and family day care places. That announcement was very strongly welcomed. With regard to long day care, you correctly pointed out that we have now built on the particular initiatives in that area.

Senator Lundy, I am delighted that you raised the issue of child care, because I am one who has listened with great interest to Senator Patterson over a considerable period of time telling this chamber about the ALP’s record in child care and contrasting that with the record of this government. I was fascinated to hear in the Treasurer’s announcement last night that, in 1996—the year that Paul Keating went west—there were 300,000 child-care places in Australia. The Treasurer went on to say, ‘We are budgeting for over 700,000 in 2009.’

This budget recognises that the Howard government is a friend to families. When it comes to governments, this Howard government is the best friend that families have had, because we give very high priority to families. I note that the Family First senator is nodding his head. That is another strong endorsement. I say to Senator Lundy that it is true that one of the weaknesses of the ALP was in relation to child care. They never gave it significant priority. This government has given it huge priority.