The Albanese Labor government has successfully passed legislation delivering a 15% wage increase for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) workers, including those in outside school hours care services. This $3.6 billion represents a significant recognition of the value these predominantly female workers provide to children, families, and the economy.

The increase will be phased in over two years:

• 10% increase from December 2024

• Additional 5% increase from December 2025

For workers, this translates to substantial weekly gains:

• Typical educators: at least $103 per week initially, rising to $155 per week

• Early childhood teachers: $166 per week initially, rising to $249 per week

Protection for Parents and Fee Controls

Crucially, the wage increase is tied to strict fee control measures. To access the funding, services must limit fee increases to no more than:

• 4.4% over the 12 months from August 2024

• 4.2% over the following 12 months

This ensures the pay rise benefits workers without increasing cost pressures on families, making this "a win for workers, a win for families" that helps ease cost of living pressures.

[1] https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/15-pay-rise-early-educators-passes-parliament#:~:text=Combined%20with%20the%20Government's%20successful,to%20preparing%20children%20for%20school.

[2] https://unitedworkers.org.au/aged-care-pay-rise/#:~:text=what%20wage%20increase%20can%20you,over%20the%20past%20twelve%20months!

[3] https://gowrievictoria.org.au/federal-government-approves-a-15-wage-increase-for-early-childhood-teachers-and-educators/