Monday April 4, 2011

New Minister, New Department for NSW Children's Services

Children's services in NSW are now the responsibility of the new Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli. In administrative orders released yesterday by the new NSW Government all public servants responsible for children's services will be moved to the Department of Education. This is an important move for children's services and brings us in line with other states and territories. Community Child Care is pleased that child care and preschools have been moved together and this is particularly important with the introduction of the National Quality Framework in 2012.

Community Child Care congratulates the new Minister on his appointment.

We do note however,  that this move happened with no consultation. Mr Picolli,  in a letter to the sector prior to the election,  stated "Whilst our desire is to move all early childhood education and care into the Department of Education we have not released a detailed policy on these administrative arrangements prior to the state election because we recognise there is a need for much greater consultation with the sector before we make such a significant move"

He also stated " If we form the next Government, we will be consulting widely with the sector to ensure that, if we are to move all of the early childhood education and care portfolio to the Education portfolio, consideration is given to all of the issues raised."

The Department of Education has been renamed Department of Education and Communities. Community Child Care will be seeking a meeting with the new Minister as soon as possible.The name of the Department of Human Services has also changed to the Department of Family and Community Services.