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

Boele supported the $3.65 billion extension but characterised it as a temporary stopgap rather than a solution to systemic issues. Boele argued that the payment structure disadvantaged small not-for-profit providers due to cash flow delays and strict fee caps, while benefiting larger for-profit operators. Boele called for a transition to needs-based, supply-side funding and requested a roadmap from the government to ensure community services are not adversely affected.

Coffey argued that the bill recognises the skilled work of educators, who are predominantly women, and helps close the gender pay gap. Coffey noted that the pay rise has improved retention, with agency staff usage falling by 69 per cent at one provider, and reduced fee growth for families. Coffey emphasised that fair wages allow educators to stay in the profession, providing stability for children and enabling parents to participate in the workforce.

Ng stated that the bill locks in wage justice for another two years, extending the sunset date to 31 December 2029. Ng highlighted that typical full-time educators will earn $255 more per week and teachers $410 more compared to December 2024. Ng argued that the new safety conditions, including tying funding to national quality standards, ensure that public investment supports safe and high-quality care for children.

Campbell argued that the bill reinforces progress in workforce stability, with 20,000 additional workers joining the sector and vacancies dropping by nearly 31 per cent. Campbell noted that the funding is conditional on limiting fee increases, saving families approximately $1,500 over two years. Campbell also highlighted broader government investments in safety, including a national educator register and mandatory child protection training.

Berry argued that the bill delivers on commitments to extend wage funding and supports gender equality in a female-dominated sector. Berry cited a gender impact assessment confirming the changes progress equality by supporting higher wages. Berry emphasised that the legislation builds on previous reforms, including the National Early Childhood Worker Register and mandatory safety training, to ensure quality and safety.

Coker argued that the bill protects families from fee increases, which could otherwise rise by 17 per cent without the legislation. Coker highlighted that the funding is tied to safety standards, with consequences for services failing to meet national quality benchmarks. Coker noted that compliance actions have been taken against 119 centres, demonstrating the government's commitment to enforcing safety and quality requirements.

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Claydon supported the bill as part of the government's agenda to improve outcomes for children, families, and workers. Claydon noted that the sector was in crisis when the government took office, with high fees and staff shortages. Claydon highlighted that the worker retention payment had led to a workforce increase of around 20,000 and a 31 per cent drop in vacancies. Claydon stated the bill locks in the 15 per cent wage rise for another two years, providing certainty for educators and families. Claydon emphasised that the funding is tied to fee caps, saving the average family approximately $1,500, and that the policy recognises the value of early childhood work.

Roberts argued that the bill recognises the value of educators and ensures safe, high-quality care for children. Roberts noted that staff attrition had reached 40 per cent in some centres before the government's intervention. Roberts highlighted that the legislation extends the sunset date to 31 December 2029 and requires services to satisfy the health and safety requirements of Quality Area 2 of the National Quality Standard. Roberts stated that compliance actions had been taken against 119 centres, with funding withdrawn from one service, demonstrating the government's commitment to enforcement.

Cook emphasised that the bill locks in better pay while protecting families from excessive fee increases. Cook pointed out that nine in 10 early childhood educators are women, making the pay rise a step towards closing the gender pay gap. Cook noted that without the legislation, fees could rise by around 17 per cent, whereas the bill is expected to save families approximately $1,500. Cook also highlighted the new safety conditions, stating that funding can be cut if services fail to meet health and safety standards.

Georganas supported the bill, arguing that investing in educators is essential for a high-quality early learning system. Georganas stated that the legislation provides long-term certainty by extending the scheme to 31 December 2029. Georganas noted that the wage increases, combined with minimum wage rises, provide significant financial relief to workers, with typical educators earning around $255 more per week. Georganas emphasised that the funding is tied to fee limits, ensuring that wage improvements do not come at the expense of families.

Mascarenhas argued that the bill creates positive working environments by extending the 15 per cent pay rise. Mascarenhas highlighted that the Productivity Commission identified low pay as a major factor in staff shortages, which have since decreased by over 30 per cent. Mascarenhas noted that the bill extends eligibility to family day care and in-home care workers for the first time. Mascarenhas also emphasised the link between funding and safety, stating that services must meet national health and safety standards to retain financial support.

Briskey supported the bill, noting it addresses decades of undervaluation in the sector. Briskey stated that the previous government had not provided financial support for pay rises for early childhood educators. Briskey highlighted that the current policy has increased the workforce by around 20,000 and reduced job vacancies by nearly 31 per cent. Briskey emphasised that the bill extends eligibility to all subsidy-approved services and includes strict safety conditions, with funding subject to suspension if Quality Area 2 standards are not met.

Clutterham argued that early childhood education is skilled work requiring qualifications in curriculum design and child psychology. Clutterham noted that the bill secures the wage increase through a $3.6 billion expenditure across two years. Clutterham highlighted that the grant requirements ensure educators are employed under workplace instruments and that fee increases are limited. Clutterham stated that the legislation links funding to quality standards, allowing the government to cut funding from services that fail to meet health and safety requirements.

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Neumann backed the legislation, explaining that it secures a 15 per cent wage increase for early childhood teachers by allocating $3.6 billion to the special account and pushing the expiry date to 31 December 2029. Neumann contended that the proposal aids in keeping a steady staff, pointing out that 20,000 additional educators have entered the field and job openings have dropped by more than 30 per cent. The member stressed that the money is linked to capping fee hikes, which saves households roughly $1,500 across two years. Neumann also drew attention to fresh safety rules, saying that providers not meeting national safety benchmarks from July 2027 could lose funding.

Gee supported the bill, arguing that early childhood educators perform vital work that has historically been undervalued and underpaid. Gee stated that boosting wages is essential for staff retention and reducing high turnover rates in the sector. The member acknowledged that while the scheme requires administrative improvements, it is crucial for recognising the importance of educators in building the future of regional Australia.

Holzberger supported the legislation, citing the economic return on investment in early childhood education and the need to properly remunerate workers in a sector dominated by for-profit operators. Holzberger argued that government intervention is necessary because providers could not sustain a 15 per cent wage rise without public funding. The member noted that the pay rise helps close the gender pay gap and supports workforce participation, particularly for single-income families.

Cook supported the bill, highlighting that the worker retention payment has added 20,000 educators to the workforce and reduced job vacancies by nearly 31 per cent. Cook explained that the legislation extends eligibility to all childcare subsidy approved services and ties funding to fee restraint, saving families around $1,500. The member emphasised that from July 2027, services must meet National Quality Standard safety requirements or risk having funding cut.

Laxale supported the bill, describing it as a necessary extension of an interim measure while longer-term structural reviews are completed. Laxale noted that the legislation adds $3.6 billion to the special account and extends the sunset date to 31 December 2029 to provide certainty. The member argued that maintaining wage levels prevents costs from being passed on to families and ensures that educators are not lost to other sectors.

Fernando supported the bill, stating that it delivers fair pay, keeps fees down, and strengthens child safety. Fernando highlighted that the payment was benefiting 215,000 educators in 11,600 centres, which has helped stabilise the workforce. The member emphasised that the bill links public funding to safety outcomes, requiring services to meet health and safety standards to receive grants.

France supported the bill, arguing that it addresses systemic undervaluation of women in care sectors and reduces workforce turnover. France stated that the legislation commits $3.6 billion to the special account and ties wage increases to strict fee caps. The member noted that childcare costs might increase by approximately 17 per cent without the bill, and highlighted additional safety reforms including a national worker register and mandatory training.

Jarrett supported the bill, stating that it values educators and supports parents who rely on early childhood care for workforce participation. Jarrett argued that the 15 per cent wage increase has improved retention, with 20,000 more workers in the sector and vacancies falling by 31 per cent. The member emphasised that the legislation ensures public funding reaches workers and that services must meet safety standards to receive grants.

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Scrymgour argued that the legislation secures a 15 per cent wage increase for more than 200,000 educators, tackling prior underpayment and high vacancy rates. Scrymgour noted that the investment aids working families by capping fee hikes and guarantees child safety via adherence to national quality standards. Scrymgour highlighted the bill's advantage for remote communities, especially through the Families as First Teachers program, which assists Indigenous educators and cultural engagement. Scrymgour emphasised that equitable pay is vital for keeping staff in difficult settings and enhancing educational results for young children.

Comer stated that the bill values the skilled work of early childhood educators, with over 1,600 workers in her electorate benefiting from the wage increase. Comer argued that fair pay improves workforce stability, reduces vacancies, and allows services to limit fee hikes, saving families money. Comer emphasised that the legislation links funding to safety standards, ensuring children are protected while educators receive adequate compensation for their demanding roles.

Jordan-Baird argued that the bill addresses a workforce crisis caused by systemic underpayment, which had led to high staff turnover. Jordan-Baird highlighted that the $3.6 billion investment over two years recognises the professional skills and trust placed in educators. Jordan-Baird noted that fair wages are essential for retaining staff and ensuring the wellbeing of children and families.