Federal Member for Scullin, Andrew Giles MP, today expressed his concern that funding for Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre will not be renewed by the Abbott Liberal Government in the Federal Budget next week.
Andrew Giles MP said Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre in Thomastown, provides an essential service for children from Indigenous and disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they have the best start in life.
“It is very concerning that the Indigenous Early Childhood Development National Partnership Agreement may not be renewed by the Abbott Liberal Government.
“For children from Indigenous and disadvantage backgrounds to be hit by cuts in funding is grossly unfair.
“Indigenous children are the most vulnerable group of children in the community.
“Bubup Wilam is helping to reduce the high levels of disadvantage they currently experience to give them the best start in live.
“It provides integrated child and family services with a focus on quality early learning, child care and parent and family support.
“I have written to both the Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs and the State Minister for Aboriginal Affairs to seek an assurance that funding will continue, and have sought a meeting with both Ministers.
Bubup Wilam was built as part of the Council of Australian Government’s approach to Closing the Gap, which seeks to reduce the gap in developmental outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children by addressing the needs of Indigenous children in their early years.
It is one of two such centres in Victoria with the other centre in regional Victoria, in Bairnsdale.
Bubup Wilam has been operating successfully since 2012 and is at its capacity enrolment of 74 children. It is rated as meeting National Quality Standards, and exceeds these standards in several areas.