Childcare Workers Have Been Guaranteed a Pay Bump. What’s the Fine Print?

Government to Spend $3.6 Billion on Childcare Worker Pay Rise

The Albanese government will spend an additional $3.6 billion (US$2.5 billion) over the next two years to fund a 15 percent wage increase for early childhood educators, extending a policy it says is helping address workforce shortages and keep childcare costs under control. According to the government, the package will lift weekly pay by $255 for educators and $410 for teachers relative to December 2024 levels, when the pay rise was first introd…

Childcare workers have been guaranteed a pay bump. What’s the fine print?

Pavel Danilyuk/PexelsThe federal government has announced another A$3.6 billion to boost childcare workers’ pay. The government says combined with other changes to the minimum wage, this will mean about $255 more per week for a typical full-time educator, compared to December 2024. The $3.6 billion continues a 15% pay rise for early childhood educators, introduced in late 2024 but due to run out at the end of 2026. The government’s renewed commi…

Strike averted after $3.6b top-up to childcare wage rises

Childcare educators will keep their government-funded pay rises for another two years after Anthony Albanese stepped in to plug a looming shortfall he was warned about months ago.

Thousands get pay rise in bid to keep childcare fees down

It's hoped higher wages and a renewed pledge from centres on fees will prove a boost for the sector and a boon for parents.

$3.6 billion childcare pay deal staves off pay cuts, fee hikes and a strike

Funding for the two-year deal to give early educators a 15 per cent pay rise, announced ahead of the 2025 election, was set to expire in December.

Albanese Government locks in pay rise for early educators while limiting fees for families

Every day early educators help children learn, grow and get ready for school.It’s one of the most important jobs in the country and they should be paid fairly for that work.That’s why the Albanese Government funded a 15 per cent pay rise for Early Education and Care Workers.Today, the Albanese Government is investing a further $3.6 billion over the next two years to lock in this historic 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators.