Pay rise for early childhood workers

Early childhood educators on the Central Coast are set for a 15 per cent wage increase, along with their colleagues nationwide.

The wage increase will be tied to a commitment from childcare centres to limit fee increases.

It is the next step in the Federal Government’s reforms to the sector, building on the successful Cheaper Child Care changes, which have already benefitted 6,900 families in the electorate of Robertson alone.

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said the increase would be phased in over two years, and include a 10 per cent increase from December 2024, and a further five per cent increase from December 2025.

This means a typical early childhood educator who is 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.

“Early educators are helping shape the youngest generation on the Central Coast,” Reid said.

“They do important work, and we need to make sure they are properly paid.

“Importantly, the government is also keeping costs down for Central Coast families by limiting fee increases at childcare centres.

“We’re getting wages moving, which will attract and retain our early childhood education workforce and easing cost of living pressures from our Cheaper Child Care changes.

“This is a win for workers, families and children on the Central Coast.”

The $3.6B investment from the government recognises the vital role played by early childhood education and care workers in preparing children for school.

To be eligible to receive funding for the wage increase, early childhood education and care services won’t be able to increase their fees by more than 4.4 per cent over the next 12 months.

This is an important condition that will keep downward pressure on fees for local families on the Central Coast.

Funding must be passed on in full to employees through increased wages.

Minister for Education Jason Clare said childcare was not babysitting.

“It’s early education and it’s critical to preparing children for school,” he said.

“They lift our kids up and now we are lifting their pay.”

Minister for Early Childhood Education Anne Aly said the increase was a wonderful outcome for a highly feminised workforce that had for far too long been neglected and taken for granted.