STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms URQUHART (Braddon) (16:17): The closure of St Patrick's Child Care Centre in Latrobe on 24 December would have created a significant gap in early learning services for families in the Braddon electorate that I represent. Surrounding centres are already operating at capacity, and this planned closure placed immediate pressure on parents who rely on quality care to stay in the workforce.

I was pleased to announce last week that the Albanese Labor government has stepped in to support local families. Lady Gowrie Tasmania successfully secured $334,000 in federal funding to redevelop a temporary early learning space on Gilbert Street in Latrobe. This interim solution will ensure continuity of care for children and peace of mind for parents until the permanent Cotton Street centre is completed between July and September next year.

As one parent told me, 'Without this support, I didn't know how I'd keep working. Knowing there's a safe, quality place for my child means everything to our family.' This is a great outcome for our community. It demonstrates our commitment to making early childhood education accessible and to supporting working families in Braddon.

I also want to thank the Latrobe Council, the state government and Lady Gowrie Tasmania for supporting the federal government to deliver this much-needed service in Latrobe when it looked like there was going to be no other opportunity. Everyone has worked together really hard, and I want to thank all of them.