Pay rise for early childhood workers

Member for Dobell Emma McBride has welcomed news that the Federal Government will fund a 15 per cent wage increase for early childhood education and care workers.

“Every day parents entrust early childhood educators with the most important thing in their world,” she said.

“Now we’re making sure early childhood educators on the Central Coast are paid properly.”

McBride recently visited Goodstart Early Learning at Bateau Bay and heard from staff what a difference the investment will make.

The wage rise will be tied to a commitment from early childhood education and care centres to limit fee increases.

This will mean services won’t be able to increase their fees by more than 4.4 per cent over the next 12 months to be eligible for the wage increase.

The increase is an important next step in the Albanese Labor Government’s reforms for the sector, building on the Cheaper Childcare changes, which are benefitting families on the Central Coast, McBride said.

It will be phased in over two years, and includes a 10 per cent increase from December 2024, and a further five per cent increase from December 2025.

An 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 childhood educators are helping to shape the next generation on the Central Coast,” McBride said.

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

“The Albanese Government is delivering these vital educators a 15 per cent pay rise.

“Importantly, we’re also keeping costs down for families by limiting fee increases at early childhood education and care centres.”

She said the $3.6B investment from the Government recognised the vital role early childhood educators played in educating and preparing children for school.