You see, US political games just don' work quite the same in Aus, even though the Libs have taken on all the 2nd rate failed US political advisors.... oh, and who made child care only affordable to the rich?   ;-)
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Subject: [democrats.media] 6 yr olds should not be left home alone, Mr Costello
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2005 21:50:04 +0800
From: Democrats Email Subscription

6 yr olds should not be left home alone, Mr Costello

Senator Brian Greig
Democrats Senator for Western Australia
Australian Democrats spokesperson for Family & Community Services

Treasurer Peter Costello is out of touch with the community if he thinks it is acceptable for a six year old child to be left alone while the sole parent of that child is compelled to fill Australia's skill shortages.

Australian Democrats Family and Community Services spokesperson, Senator Brian Greig said he was dismayed at the Treasurer's statement that single parents should work once their kids reach school age, as a means to address skills shortages.

"Compelling sole parents of children as young as six to work when there is no available, affordable quality child care out of school hours renders those children at risk and exposed to danger," Senator Greig said.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that approximately 160,000 women would work, but cannot because they do not have ready access to childcare.

"A six year old cannot safely walk to and from school unsupervised. A six year old ought not remain at home for hours without an adult present," Senator Greig said.

"Parenting is a very worthwhile activity, providing children with a safe and secure environment. Parents are best able to determine when their parenting responsibilities will allow them work.

"Mr Costello is happy to pay Family Tax Benefit Part B from to wealthy stay-at-home parents whose children may be as old as 17, but at the same time he is compelling less fortunate parents, including those with children with disabilities, to leave them unsupervised in order to fill unskilled job vacancies.

"The Government seems happy to let wealthy parents minimise taxation through trusts and companies while insisting that low income families must boost the economy," Senator Greig said.

Senator Greig says the Government is not content stigmatising Australians with a disability as 'bludgers with bad backs' but has now turned its sights on sole parents, portraying them as unproductive and devaluing their roles as parents.

Senator Greig is calling on the Treasurer to provide a sensible work and family policy, that allows parents to find work while at the same time not leaving children unsupervised.

"Provide the policies, provide the childcare, equip parents with the choice and allow them to keep their children safe," Senator Greig said.

To view this Press Release, follow this Link
http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=4479&display=1