Victorian Government Budget Response Media Releases

The Victorian State Budget was released yesterday, with minor implications for the NHCP and major implications for occasional childcare:

NHCP

There was no increase in recurrent funding, but a welcome $700,000 in new funds was announced for 2011-2012 “to provide grants to NHs to improve their infrastructure, accessibility and amenities.  Grants will be provided for information, communication and technology upgrades and minor works".

Occasional Childcare – Take A Break (TAB) funding

The Victorian government will not be renewing its part of the funding for the Take A Break (TAB) childcare program. As we understand this means funding will cease 31 December 2011 UNLESS the Commonwealth Government reinstates its funding for neighbourhood model occasional care in Victoria in next week’s Federal budget.

The ANHLC is continuing to lobby the Federal government to reinstate funding for neighbourhood model occasional care in Victoria.

See Media Releases attached as well as a background paper on Take A Break Childcare Funding