[Australia] 15% pay rise for early childhood education and care workers

In major reforms announced by Australia’s prime minister, there will be a 15 per cent wage increase for the nation’s early childhood education and care workers, 7News reports.

The government will tie the pay rise to a commitment from childcare centres to limit fee increases, in a move intended to boost women’s workforce participation and productivity. 

Childcare is reportedly a sector that has struggled to attract workers in recent years due to pay issues. The wage increase will be phased in over two years. It includes a 10 per cent increase from December 2024 and a further 5 per cent increase from December 2025.

A typical educator paid at the award rate will receive a pay rise of at least $103 per week, increasing to at least $155 per week from December 2025.

According to the government, the investment - set to cost taxpayers $3.6 billion - recognises the role such workers play in preparing children for school.

To be eligible to receive funding for the wage increase, childcare services will not be permitted to increase their fees by more than 4.4 per cent over the next 12 months.

Commenting on the rise, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that knowing a child is safe and happy and learning alongside their friends is priceless.

“Early educators shape lives and change lives. We can never thank them enough for what they do - but we can make sure they are properly valued and fairly paid,” the prime minister said.

“Giving the next generation the best start in life is essential. Today we deliver fair pay for the people who make this possible.”

Source: 7News

(Quotes via original reporting)

In major reforms announced by Australia’s prime minister, there will be a 15 per cent wage increase for the nation’s early childhood education and care workers, 7News reports.

The government will tie the pay rise to a commitment from childcare centres to limit fee increases, in a move intended to boost women’s workforce participation and productivity. 

Childcare is reportedly a sector that has struggled to attract workers in recent years due to pay issues. The wage increase will be phased in over two years. It includes a 10 per cent increase from December 2024 and a further 5 per cent increase from December 2025.

A typical educator paid at the award rate will receive a pay rise of at least $103 per week, increasing to at least $155 per week from December 2025.

According to the government, the investment - set to cost taxpayers $3.6 billion - recognises the role such workers play in preparing children for school.

To be eligible to receive funding for the wage increase, childcare services will not be permitted to increase their fees by more than 4.4 per cent over the next 12 months.

Commenting on the rise, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that knowing a child is safe and happy and learning alongside their friends is priceless.

“Early educators shape lives and change lives. We can never thank them enough for what they do - but we can make sure they are properly valued and fairly paid,” the prime minister said.

“Giving the next generation the best start in life is essential. Today we deliver fair pay for the people who make this possible.”

Source: 7News

(Quotes via original reporting)