The Australian Federal Government has unveiled a landmark AUD 3.6 billion funding package to deliver a 15% wage increase for workers in the early childhood education and care sector over a multi-year phased rollout.
Key Policy Features
- Phased Wage Rise: A 10% increase in the initial stage, followed by an additional 5% in the subsequent phase.
- Fee Cap Condition: Participating childcare centers must agree to cap fee increases for families to qualify for federal wage subsidies.
- Retention & Recruitment: Designed to attract and retain qualified early childhood professionals nationwide.
Source: Australian Government Treasury & Department of Education
