Sue MORONEY
Education Spokesperson
4 August 2011

Labour's Education spokesperson Sue Moroney is delighted that the Government has now ruled out funding cuts to Playcentre that are proposed by the Government-appointed ECE Taskforce.

“This comes just a day after Labour asked Education Minister Anne Tolley in Parliament to rule out the funding cut,” Sue Moroney said.

“She would not rule it out then, but has clearly had a change of heart overnight.

“Congratulations to Playcentre parents who have fought this short-sighted proposal so successfully.

“Labour has also called on the Minister to rule out large funding cuts proposed by the taskforce to Kohanga Reo, home-based ECE and 20 hours ECE across the sector,” Sue Moroney said.

"It’s great to see that the Government can see sense on this issue when challenged.

“The Minister now needs to do the right thing for 160,000 other children and their families who face cost increases if the other funding proposals from the ECE Taskforce go ahead,” Sue Moroney said.

“We won’t hold our breath, given that National has lamely attempted to spin blame on to Labour for causing upset over the Playcentre issue, when in fact pressure put on by Labour in Parliament yesterday helped Playcentre parents win their battle.”

ENDS

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