Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Education moved the second reading of the bill, which extends funding for wage increases for early childhood education and care workers and strengthens safety requirements. The legislation credits the special account with $3.6 billion over two years and extends the sunset date to December 2029. It mandates that funded services meet health and safety standards and limits fee increases to protect families. The debate concluded with the motion being carried after the Minister's speech, as no other members spoke.

   Outcome: The motion for the second reading was carried.

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2. Thursday 20 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the extension of the worker retention payment for early childhood education and care workers by two years, funded by an additional $3.6 billion. The government argued the measure was essential to maintain workforce stability, keep fees affordable for families, and strengthen safety standards. The opposition supported the extension to avoid a funding cliff but criticised the lack of a long-term plan and eligibility rules that excluded independent contractors. The bill was supported by government members who highlighted improved workforce retention and reduced vacancies.

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3. Monday 7 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centered on the Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026, which extended a $3.6 billion investment to maintain a 15 per cent wage increase for educators until 31 December 2029. Australian Labor Party members argued the legislation addressed historical underpayment, reduced job vacancies by 31 per cent, and increased the workforce by approximately 20,000 people while capping fees to save families around $1,500 over two years. Independent member Nicolette Boele supported the extension but warned it was a temporary measure that disadvantaged small not-for-profit providers and called for long-term systemic reform. All speakers emphasized that funding was conditional on meeting National Quality Standard requirements for health and safety.

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4. Thursday 10 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Education moved the second reading of the bill, which aims to lock in pay rises for early childhood educators and link funding to safety standards. The legislation allocates $3.6 billion over two years to support wages while capping fee increases for families. It also mandates that services meet specific health and safety quality areas to receive funding. The Minister highlighted improvements in workforce retention and affordability as key benefits. The bill was passed on the question.

   Outcome: The question was agreed to and the bill was read a second time.

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5. Thursday 10 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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6. Monday 14 September 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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7. Monday 14 September 2026 · Senate

   In Committee

   Senator O'Sullivan moved an amendment to prevent the bill from requiring early childhood education providers to use specific workplace instruments or industrial arrangements to access worker retention payments. The amendment aimed to include family day care and in-home care educators who often operate as independent contractors. Minister Walsh opposed the amendment, arguing that enforceable instruments are necessary to ensure payment integrity and that the bill already extends support to employees in these sectors. The debate also covered safety standards, regulatory funding, and long-term workforce stability.

   Outcome: The amendment moved by Senator O'Sullivan was not agreed to, as the committee proceeded without adopting the proposed changes to the bill's eligibility criteria.

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8. Monday 14 September 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation to extend a 15 per cent wage increase for early childhood educators until June 2028 and link funding to safety standards. Labor senators argued the measure addressed workforce shortages and undervaluation, while the Greens supported it but demanded long-term structural reform. The Coalition opposed the bill's temporary nature and eligibility rules, moving amendments to broaden access for family day care providers and to end the payment in November 2026. These amendments were not passed during the divisions.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

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9. Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Senate

   In Committee
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10. Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Senate

    Third Reading
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