It also became aware that some aspects of the program may give competitive advantage to some kinds of child care organisations over others. The Commission has taken the view that its terms of reference require it to address the former issue, namely, inequities affecting individuals, but not the latter. New legislation should not entrench aspects of program policy which result in inequitable outcomes for individuals or families. Children's services for children 2.9 The interests of children should be paramount . In the Commission's view, the fundamental interest of the child should be the paramount consideration in developing and implementing policies about child care.
Children are the primary consumers of child care services, but they have the least power.
Their rights and interests must be considered when decisions that affect them are made. Other Federal, State and Territory legislation puts this obligation even higher, making welfare of children the paramount consideration. The Commission recommends that the fundamental objective of the Children's Services Program should be to enhance the well-being of children. The legislation should provide that the welfare of the child for whom child care is being or will be provided is to be the paramount consideration in any decision or action taken under or for the purposes of the legislation. 2.10 Other people with interests.