Value our Children Fund Our Care

Date: 15 September 2003

Children in care at Perry Street Child Care will call on their parents and the wider community to get involved in the campaign and sign the Charter of Rights for Quality Child Care. The children will wear campaign t-shirts for the day and paint campaign materials.

"Child care workers earn between $12.57 and $15.35 per hour, less than supermarket check out staff, refuse collectors, gardeners. Child care professionals complete formal training and their qualifications and experience are not currently recognised", said Jane Farrell, Victorian Assistant Secretary Children's Services Union LHMU.

"At the same time child care entrepreneurs are raking in the money commercialising the centres. For the first time these entrepreneurs are registering in the BRW's Top 100 rich Australians.

"The boss of ABC Learning Centres, Eddie Groves, has piped Nicole Kidman to become the 4th wealthiest person at $146 million. ABC has recently purchased over 50 centres across Victoria.

Peppercorn, at $57 million, puts Michael Gordon as the 14th richest person in Australia according to BRW 100. Peppercorn manages numerous centres across Victoria.

"We need to be certain that, in an effort to make a profit, the quality care for children is not at risk. Recognising and rewarding child care professionals for caring, nurturing and developing our children is something everyone can do.

" Just show your appreciation by telling your child care professional, sign the Charter and get involved in the Union's campaign, said Ms Farrell.

"The Charter will ensure that the rights of children and childcare workers are protected to provide the crucial foundation needed for the early years of all children's learning and development".

For further information, please contact Jane Farrell on 0425 755 903 or 03 9235 7762.

Photos can be taken of the children at Perry Street Child Care Centre

129 Perry Street Fairfield,Victoria, from 10.30 am Tuesday 16 September 2003

For further information

Contact:	Andrew Casey
Union:	Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union
Phone:	8204 7206
Fax:	92821 4480
Email:	andrewc@lhmu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au/

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