The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is concerned for children under the care of ABC Learning Centres in the Penrith area, their parents and staff, and recognises the Penrith Star's role in keeping local families informed.

For this reason, the office has always ensured that it is prompt and thorough in its responses to the Penrith Star's inquiries.

Late last week the Star made inquiries concerning ABC Glenmore Park South and ABC Kemps Creek where the office once again responded to a series of inquiries from journalist Gemma Seymour over email.

Unfortunately, a jocular exchange between members of the office was inadvertently passed on to Ms Seymour in one of these emails.

I would like to apologise for any offence this caused Ms Seymour, the Penrith Star staff and its readership.

The Minister's office looks forward to a continuing positive relationship with the Penrith Star.

Ben Hubbard, Chief of Staff,

Deputy Prime Minister's office

Acting Editor, Ian Horner responds: This newspaper does not seek a positive or a negative relationship with any politician. We expect politicians to be accountable, and to be prepared to be accountable, to the public and not to be arrogantly dismissive of very important concerns. The attitude expressed in the email accidentally received by our journalist was no jocular matter. The situation of parents needing reassurance that their child-care arrangements would be secure is not a joke. Surely, this does not reflect the Minister's own position and yet it was sent by her office.