The Federal Government and ABC Learning administrators, McGrathNicol, should give priority to local governments seeking to buy or operate ABC Learning centres, according to Australian Services Union National Secretary Paul Slape.

Speaking today, Mr Slape said in practical terms, the ASU believed that local governments who have entered an expression of interest to buy or operate ABC Learning child care centres should be given priority.

The ASU has written to Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard and to Local Government Associations seeking Local and Federal Government support for councils to take over of some of the 1100 centres affected by the collapse.

The ASU covers child care workers in local government and it is the largest union in local government.

Mr Slape said the ASU was committed to working with interested councils, local government bodies, the Federal Government and the ABC Learning administrators to find a better and long term solution to the current child care crisis.

"The ASU believes that the collapse of ABC Learning has provided an opportunity to reconnect families to their local community services through a major return of child care services to local governments," he said.

"The ASU is looking to work with local governments, their peak bodies and the Federal Government to strike the right balance.

"Local government already provides maternal and child health services and it simply makes sense that it is the long term home for child care services.

"It should not just be a 'keep the front doors propped open' exercise, but a concerted effort to create a sustainable basis for childcare centres for families, local communities and staff.

"We believe that there is an opportunity for local councils and the Federal Government to work with the ABC Learning administrators to transition services to local councils where appropriate."

The ASU will be raising the issue with councils from across the country later this week when the Australian Council of Local Governments meets in Canberra.