This week delivers a big win for the predominantly female workforce in early education and care. Monday’s five per cent pay rise fully delivers the Albanese Government’s 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators.
When combined with minimum wage rises, educators will now get an extra $200 per week. And that’s a big boost for the dedicated, professional educators who help give our youngest Australians the best possible start in life.
Women make up the vast majority of this workforce. And, for too long, they were asked to accept low wages for the love of caring for children.
They were underpaid, and undervalued. That’s simply not fair.
When we first came to office, educators were leaving in droves. And I don’t blame them. Love doesn’t pay the bills. Early learning is highly skilled work. And it is critically important work. It deserves to be valued.
The pay rise is a game-changer for this workforce. It strengthens the early learning sector, because we know that the foundation of quality in early education and care is a quality workforce.
Since the first part of the pay rise began in December last year, the number of educators in the sector is up six per cent and vacancy rates are down 14 per cent. I’m hearing from educators on the ground that it’s making a real difference.
Educators like Jess, who’s worked at Goodstart Early Learning Kalamunda in Western Australia for 16 years.
She’s such a passionate educator. When I met Jess, she told me she does this job for the children – to provide a safe and secure place for them to learn and grow. For her, it’s not about the money. But she still has to make a living, just like everyone else. And the sort of dedication and hard work that she brings to her role each and every day should be acknowledged and properly rewarded.
That’s why I’m so proud to be part of a government that has listened to educators like Jess, and acted. She told me this pay rise really helped, and meant educators could stay in the industry and continue delivering for children.
We know that when educators can afford to stay in the jobs they love, it means more stability for early learning services, more stability for children, and more stability for families. The Albanese Government wants to build an early learning system where all children can access quality early education and care – no matter their postcode or what their parents do for work.
Quality early learning helps prepare children to succeed at school and beyond. We know that 90 per cent of a child’s brain development occurs in the first five years of life. But early learning also helps parents – especially women – return to the workplace when they’re ready. It boosts workforce participation and productivity.
It’s good for children, good for families, and good for the economy. And it’s at its strongest when delivered by a respected and stable workforce. That’s why this 15 per cent pay rise is something we can all celebrate.
Feature image: Minister Jess Walsh.