The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Albanese government to fund 15% pay rise for childcare workforce, with a condition

  • Written by Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra



The Albanese government will fund a 15% pay increase for early childhood educators - tying it to centres agreeing to not increase their fees by more than 4.4% over the next year.

The pay rise will be phased in over two years, with a 10% increase from December and a further 5% from December 2025.

A typical worker paid at the award rate would receive $103 a week increasing to at least $155 a week from December 2025.

The cost of the move is $3.6 billion.

The May budget provided for funding higher childcare wages, although the government gave no details at the time.

The Productivity Commission, in an interim report into early childhood education and care, pointed to better wages and conditions as a key way to address workforce shortages in the sector. The government has the commission’s final report but has not yet released it.

The government said in a statement that it was providing the interim retention payment for two years “while the Fair Work Commission finalises its gender undervaluation priority awards review and as the government charts a path towards a universal childcare system”.

The Fair Work Commission began proceedings to investigate the historic undervaluation of early childhood education and care work, disability home care work, and other social and community services workers shortly after delivering its national wage case decision in the middle of the year.

It undertook to complete the review in time for next year’s wage case[1], to apply from the middle of next year.

At the time is said the review would not begin with a “blank slate” but would build on the reasoning used in earlier decisions about aged-care workers and teachers.

The aged care decision, delivered early this year, awarded increases of up to 28.5%[2].

The government said the interim childcare pay rise would be tied to a commitment from childcare centres to limit fee increases.

“We want to make sure workers can be fairly paid without the costs being passed on to families.”

Since Labor came to power the childcare workforce has grown by more than 30,000 but more people were needed. “This commitment will help retain our existing early childhood educators, who are predominately women, and attract new employees.”

Anthony Albanese said the government’s cheaper childcare policy had “already delivered increased subsidies to over a million families. This will provide even more cost of living relief.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said: “We’re improving access to affordable early childhood education and care, boosting productivity and workplace participation, and helping Australians work more when they want to”.

Education minister Jason Clare said the “child care debate is over. It’s not babysitting. It’s early education and it’s critical to preparing children for school.”

Minister for Early Childhood Education Anne Aly said: “This is a wonderful outcome for a highly feminised workforce that has for far too long been neglected and taken for granted”.

Read more: Low-paid wages up 3.75%, with more to come for childcare and health professionals[3]

Read more https://theconversation.com/albanese-government-to-fund-15-pay-rise-for-childcare-workforce-with-a-condition-236327

Times Magazine

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

The Times Features

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...

Ways to Attract Tenants in a Competitive Rental Market

In the kind of rental market we’ve got now, standing out is half the battle. The other half? Actually getting someone to sign that lease. With interest rates doing backflips and ...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifes...