Mattermotor,
Could be a good idea. Although the franchiser would need to be the Govt. I don't trust big corps franchises As part of an insovency team I've seen too many victims the corporation franchises.

Child care centres are bad news anyway. It gives parents a cop out of their responsibilities (especially mothers).

Runner, you are living in the past. Wake up to yourself.

As for the bail out, why just childcars centres. My businesses have seen a major downturn (20% +) and I am about to chop staff. Why can't I get assistance to keep them on?

This is likely to open the flood gates as the government can't just support one struggling business, can it?

It's got the 'pilots strike' feel about it!

Unsupportable myth, examinator, try this one.

Country town hospital, downgraded over recent years. Maternity, & radiology most recently gone. Now acts as a dressing station, & transfers patients to regional hospital.

Total beds 13.
Average overnight patients 3.
Total full time staff, admin, & medical, 73.
Adminstration staff 43. [Some of whom were once medical staff]

That myth is alive, & well, & living in Queensland, or anywhere else that public administration EVER gets a toehold.

As far as I can tell, the reason that ABC went belly-up is because of Eddie's ego and greed. I have an acquaintance who owns several childcare centres, and he's doing very nicely, thank you.

Given that childcare is now an essential service, I can see a case for government intervention on a temporary basis in order to maintain operations. Meanwhile, the receivers should sell off the individual centres to the highest bidders.

Hasbeen - if the figures you quote are real, then they are outrageous. However, they would be a matter of public record somewhere. Please name the hospital so others can verify your allegations.

I have ZERO sympathy for Eddie Groves.. but lots for the parents of course.

GROVES got what he deserved..but perhaps some punishment would be in order.

His huge debt came about partly because of them maintaining non viable centres until the competitors went out of business, it is reported.

So his business practices leave much to be desired.

He is an object lesson in how the Law of the Jungle is translated into business... he isn't alone.

But now he has been given his cumuppance.

I don't see why outside parties cannot simply buy up various ABC centres.. the concept seems sound and has a guaranteed income.
I don't imagine they used gold plated wash room furniture?