Minister's Child Care Advisory Council

The Child Care Act 2001, Section 73, provides for the establishment of an Advisory Council to advise and assist the Minister in the exercise of powers and the performance of functions under and in respect of the Child Care Act 2001.

The first meeting was held on 31 January 2002.

Terms of Reference

The Advisory council is to provide advice directly to the Minister on matters relating to child care, including

• policy, concerns and issues;

• increasing community awareness, and the status of the child care sector;

• providing reports or information to the Minister as requested, including the implementation of the Act and development of standards for each class of license (Approved Registration Body, Centre Based Care and Home Based);

• support ongoing consultation with key stakeholder groups and ensure that issues are brought to the Minister's attention; and

• assist with communication with stakeholder groups so that parents and members of the child care industry sector are kept informed on policy development.

Members will provide a non-intrusive and professional point of reference for child care issues, provide timely and accurate advice and ensure dissemination and obtain feedback from within their area of expertise as required.

MCCAC Purpose, Primary Goals and Priorities

The Purpose, Primary Goals and Priorities were approved by the Minister in October 2007.

Purpose

To provide high quality strategic advice to the Minister for Education about issues affecting the child care sector in Tasmania.  Addtionally to assist the Minister in the exercise of the minimal powers or functions under the Child Care Act 2001.

Primary Goals

• Ensure the child care sector is not only substainable, but responsive, flexible, accessible and provides high quality child care.
• Support access to high quality child care services that are planned, affordable and meet families needs.
• Support the child care sector in increasing the professionalism of its workforce.
• Foster a community where child care is recognised and valued as an integral part of individual, family and community life.

Priorities

MCCAC adopted the following two major priorities

• Training and recruitment and retention of staff including work conditions; and
• Planning - over- and under-supply.

Meeting Frequency

• 5 to 6 meetings per year.

Membership

Membership of MCCAC will aim to be

• diverse to represent the sector in the broadest sense.
• provider focused to draw on overall knowledge, experience and expertise.
• maintain geographical coverage.
• inclusive and accessible.