The child care centres were originally under the ownership of ABC Learning. They were bought by GoodStart in 2008, a new consortium that has been established by four non-profit organisations: Social Ventures Australia, Mission Australia, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Benevolent Society.

The transfer was supported by a $15 million Federal Government loan and completed in May 2010.

The Government advised that for most Australian families who use these new GoodStart Centres, there will be little or no change in their child care arrangements.

“Additionally, the transition is not expected to cause any disruption to the more than 13,000 staff who have been able to keep their jobs despite the collapse of their former employer,” it advised.

Minister for Early Childhood Education, Childcare and Youth Kate Ellis said that the purchase made by Goodstart will increase the not-for-profit share of the childcare market from 22 to 34 per cent.

“This means that more child care places will be provided without the added pressure of achieving profit margins,” she said.