The announcement demonstrates the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to the early childhood education and care sector, and recognises the significant contribution of care workers to Australia’s society and economy.

Early childhood education and care is a highly feminised workforce, with 9 in every 10 workers being female. Fair pay in the sector removes another barrier to women’s economic equality and workforce participation by helping to grow quality early education services.

The move also supports the Government’s ambition of universal access to affordable, quality early childhood education and care for parents and families.

Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters says the commitment to fund a wage increase is long overdue and will begin to address the workforce shortages that have been impacting the care sector.

Further details will be finalised following the Fair Work Commission processes currently underway.


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP: 

“Our early childhood education and care workforce, which is made up of 90% women, has been underpaid and undervalued for too long.

“The provision in May’s Budget towards a pay increase is a positive step towards recognising the work of early childhood educators.

“This will help attract and retain educators, giving parents and families better access to early learning services.”