‘Where is our childcare centre?’: Tony Pasin blasts government for uncertainty over $1.8m pre-election promise

A coastal town may have celebrated too early over a pre-election promise for a desperately-needed childcare centre, with funding for the project now subject to ‘budget deliberations”.

The South East town of Kingston has been left in limbo after doubts were raised over $1.8m in funding promised to build a much-needed childcare centre in the community.

Residents of the coastal town have been left “frustrated” after a letter from Early Childhood Education Minister Dr Anne Aly revealed a pre-election $1.8m promise would not be delivered until after “budget deliberations”.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin slammed Labor for raising the hopes of Kingston residents before the election — only to jeopardised the project over the uncertainty of the promised funding.

Tony Pasin speaking in parliament. Picture: Supplied

“Unless I misunderstand what is very clear language, what the Labor Party is saying is a clear and concrete commitment made before an election is now subject to uncertainty,” Mr Pasin said.

“The South Australian state government — who are partners in this project have indicated the project is in complete limbo, until there is confirmation that this funding will be provided.”

City of Kingston Council chief executive Natalie Traeger wrote to Dr Aly in July asking for a formal commitment of Labor’s pre-election commitment.

In her reply Dr Aly told Ms Traeger the funding would be considered by the government as part of “budget deliberations”.

“Election commitments are being considered by the Australian Government as part of budget deliberations. Delivery of election commitments is therefore subject to decisions of government, including funding for this matter,” Dr Aly said.

Ms Traeger said “discussions around the build, location and the governance model with the state government” had been progressing positively, but the letter has now thrown a spanner in the works.

Kristen Wilks was told she should have enrolled daughter Frankie at Kingston SE‘s only childcare centre before she was born. Picture: Supplied

Council will be meeting with state government representatives this week to look at early architectural plans, Ms Traeger said.

“(There) is really no point when we don't have the money for the capital build,” she said.

Ms Traeger said the community had celebrated after Labor matched the Liberal’s $1.8m funding commitment, thinking it would mean a centre would be built regardless of who formed government.

Kingston SE has no dedicated childcare centre — with parents reliant on an overburden rural care service.

“Our community is asking — where is our childcare centre?” she said.

Kingston SE Early Learning and Childcare Services Working Group Chair Kirsty and her husband Rob and her kids Annie and Jack Starling. Picture: Supplied

Mr Pasin, who was critical of the Liberal party over the distribution over the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery fund, said he had initially been impressed by Labor’s commitment to a region who felt forgotten.

However, Mr Pasin said the government had acted “disgracefully” following the election.

“I gave the Labor Party the benefit of the doubt, and figured that a clear commitment meant that this project would proceed notwithstanding the outcome of the election,” he said.

Dr Aly defended the government’s actions stating she had “been in contact with Kingston District Council about this project, as Mr Pasin is aware”.

“The Albanese Government will deliver on all of its election commitments to make early childhood education more accessible and affordable for families across Australia, including on the Limestone Coast,” Dr Aly said.

“As is appropriate when dealing with public funds, all commitments need to go through a budget process, this work is underway.”