The Australian Democrats today slammed the state government for its lack of consultation over the closing down of the Neta Kranz kindergarten in Whyalla.

Australian Democrats leader, Mike Elliott, has called the Minister for Education to immediately intervene in the situation and bring about a resolution that is satisfactory to all parties.

"After years of state government rhetoric about the importance of consulting school communities, we now see what Partnerships 21 will be like," said Mr Elliott.

"Under its Partnerships 21 style local management plan, the Neta Kranz kindergarten has been making all its own financial decisions for some time.

"Imagine its surprise when it receives a letter to tell it that the owners do not want them to leave, but the department has decided that their lease is up.

"Is this what the state government means when it says that it is listening to the needs of regional communities?

"The state government is under constant financial pressure to provide suitable facilities for a wide range of worthy community groups.

"Yet here we have a situation where all the kindergarten wants is to keep the facilities that it has invested in and stay put, while the state government is working to relocate at great cost to the taxpayer.

"Instead of paying a $10 peppercorn rent, the state government will have to pay for a lease at commercial rates, pay for a new building and pay to relocate the kindergarten twice.

"The only other option would be to relocate to a local primary school which would also present a series of financial and social problems for the kindergarten community.

"The Australian Democrats call on the Minister for Education to immediately intervene and resolve this blunder to the satisfaction of all parties."