To the Legislative Council of Victoria:
The petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that funding for the Take a Break occasional child-care program, which is provided at more than 220 neighbourhood houses and community centres across Victoria, will cease after 31 December 2011.
The Take a Break occasional child-care program allows parents and guardians to participate in activities including employment, study, recreational classes and voluntary community activities while their children socialise and interact with other children in an early-learning environment.
Full funding for the program was provided by the previous state Labor government, but will not be continued by the Baillieu government beyond December 2011.
The cut to funding will mean that families across Victoria will be unable to access affordable, community-based occasional child care to undertake tasks that benefit the family and allow them to take a break.
The petitioners therefore request that the Baillieu government reinstate funding for the Take a Break occasional child-care program.
By Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) (9 signatures).
Laid on table.