Push for 15 Percent Wage Increase for Early Childhood Educators

Education Minister says the bill provides cost-of-living relief, capping fee increases at 4.4 percent for the centres until August 2025.

General view of activities in the Goodstart Early Learning Centre at Albany Creek in Brisbane, Australia, on Oct. 3, 2018. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

The Albanese government introduced a bill on Sept. 12 to grant early childhood workers a 15 percent wage increase, promising a total pay rise of $155 (US$103) per week by December 2025.

“Early educators have been asking for this for years. There are 30,000 more early educators working today than when we came to office. This law will help more people stay, and more people return to work as early educators,” said Education Minister Jason Clare, as he introduced the bill to the House of Representatives.