Childcare workers get 15 per cent pay rise

EARLY childhood education workers are set to receive a 15 per cent wage increase, as part of a $3.6 billion investment into the sector by the federal government.

To be eligible for the pay boost, however, childcare centres will be required to agree to limit fee increases to no more than 4.4 per cent over the next 12 months, a move the government said would help ensure workers are paid fairly without the costs being passed onto families.

The pay bump will be phased in over two years, beginning with a 10 per cent increase from December and a further 5 per cent increase from December 2025.

For the average educator paid at the award rate, this equates to an initial boost of $103 a week, rising to $155 a week by the end of next year.

The pay rise and its conditions will also apply to outside school hours care services.

In January, this masthead spoke with more than 80 childcare centres and providers across the region about the challenges faced by the sector.

Many were battling with staffing shortages, enrolment caps and waitlists that had swelled to more than 12 months, directly affecting access to early education and childcare for local families during a period of increased demand as a result of cost-of-living pressures.

The government said the investment into the sector, combined with its Cheaper Child Care initiative, which came into effect more than a year ago, would support greater availability of early education and care for these families.

Raelee Fechner, an early years educator and United Workers Union advocate, said the pay rise will be a game changer for the sector and its workforce.

“Some educators are working two to three jobs, and with this pay rise, they will have a much better work-life balance.

“It will encourage most educators to stay in the sector, and that’s good for kids because consistency in the classroom leads to better learning outcomes.

“That’s why this pay rise is so important – not just for workers, but for families.”

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker addressed the pay increase in Parliament this week.

She said early childhood educators supported young children’s early learning and development and made it possible for millions of Australians to do their jobs.

“I’m so proud that our government has listened and acted and is working closely with the sector to deliver better outcomes for these workers who, for too long, have failed to be recognised for the important and demanding work they do.

“We understand there’s more to do and that’s why we’re working to build a universal early childhood education and care system that’s accessible, affordable and inclusive.”

“For a sector facing worker shortages, this significant pay rise is meaningful process.

“And to safeguard that progress and ensure we continue to grow the sector, our government is rolling out fee-free TAFE opportunities so that more young Australians can pursue a career as an early childhood educator.”