Ms Michele Akerlind:

I will reply generally to some of the questions. Senator Burke asked about the percentage of our income that is devoted to wages. Eighty two per cent of our income is wages from the get-go, and that is not enough for our staff. The balance covers every other aspect of the business. That just gives the members an idea. That is not unusual in regard to private practice.

As for my wish list of changes, the top priority would be support for professional practice in all aspects of training. One cannot expect to have a quality service unless the people working in it have received quality training. That involves funding centres with degree-led staff. We need funding to pay staff wages. That works in Australia and I do not see why it cannot work here. Quality-driven centres should be rewarded for quality when it comes to grants. If my facility does not have contraventions, I will not receive a grant, but a facility which does have contraventions will be given a few bob to fix the playground or whatever else. That is not right.