ABC Learning Centres are the single biggest company providing child facilities for working families. Rumours that they are in a parlous financial position must strike fear into the hearts of many working mothers.
The fallout from even the possibility of them closing their doors would be immense, particularly in tandem with the present meltdown and the prospect of a huge rise in unemployment.
The Federal government claims it has " contingency plans " in the event of such a calamity, but it would be essential that such plans swing into action immediately, ensuring that there was no break in continuity.
Child care day centres could be classed as an " essential service " in similar manner to the police, fire brigade and ambulance service. Without it, many people would be forced out of the work force and families denied the means of financial survival.
Some stay-at-home mums might have a feeling of schadenfreude if child minding facilities collapsed. There has been long debate on the merits of child care and working mothers, but in today's world the ability to buy a home and raise a family of a single income can not be achieved without serious loss to the standard of living.
If the worst happens with ABC Learning the government would be wise to immediately invoke the essential services act and take over running these centres.
The delay of even a few weeks in passing enacting legislation - or engaging in negotiations with other political parties for support - would amount to disaster for an already stressed population !
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