" Child care workers know that the key problem creating the crisis in child care across the nation is the inability of centres to attract qualified and trained professionals," LHMU Child Care Union Assistant National Secretary, Jo-anne Schofield said today.

" No one in Australia will be able to take seriously any early childhood policy launch which does not propose a plan to improve on the poverty wages, of around $12 an hour, facing Australia's child care workers.

" We believe Mr Howard should announce at this launch that his government will actively support the LHMU Child Care Union's pay claims in the Industrial Relations Commission on behalf of this huge and growing group of underpaid professionals," Jo-anne Schofield said.

" Our union has begun a national campaign - with a special focus on key marginal electorates - to tell parents and the broader community that we need to be assured that our young children are taken care of by qualified and trained workers who are paid fair and decent wages.

" This can only be done if the Federal Government is committed to a proper funding package which will ensure that both private and community child care centres are able to employ enough professionals and are able to pay them decent wages," Jo-anne Schofield said.

The LHMU proudly represents around 130,000 hard working women and men throughout Australia

For further comment and interviews:
Jo-anne Schofield, LHMU Assistant National Secretary, 02 8204 7231 or 042 524 2684