Tolley’s running a nasty little smear through Cameron Slater. See, non-profit kindergartens have millions in the bank while saying they need more cash. It must be a rip-off, eh? Yeah. Nah. The kindergartens just have the cash they’ve been given for future operations. So, why is Tolley trying to make this an issue?
According to Slater, the nations kindergartens have a total of $60 million in the bank. That seems like a lot until you learn the simple truth. The government pays its subsidies to the kindergartens in advance 3 times a year. Naturally, lots of money in the banks after the payments come through, nearly none at the end.
Also, associations build up cash for future investments. Like opening a new kindergarten.
How much is $60 million anyway? Not a hell of a lot. A couple of months turnover by the looks.
So, it’s a beat up. Obviously coming from Tolley, who added:
“the “substantial reserves” built up through taxpayer funding and fees from parents would be an eye-opener for many families.”
Obvious what the game is here. Kindergartens and other ECE providers are opposing National’s cuts to ECE spending. Those cuts are forcing ECE providers to cut services or increase fees. If she was a good minister, Tolley would openly admit that she’s cut funding and defend it. But Tolley won’t admit she’s made cuts.
So what’s she gonna do when the providers complain about them? She’s gonna smear them. No matter how bullshit the smear. Anything to distract, and confuse the issue. It’s a pretty tough act though. Labeling one of our most trusted institutions as greedy fraudsters.
Slinging that kind of shit is bound to have a lot of blowback. No wonder she gave it to Slater to run.
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