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

Smith praised the legislation for securing wage rises and enhancing workforce stability, pointing to a drop in staffing waivers from 8.9 per cent down to 4.3 per cent. Smith observed that Senate committee investigations verified the payment boosted retention and stopped pay reductions. Smith highlighted the bill's function in establishing a universal early learning system by linking funding to safety requirements and capping fee increases.

Hodgins-May supported the extension but criticised the government for delaying confirmation of funding, causing uncertainty for educators and providers. Hodgins-May argued the 15 per cent increase was insufficient compared to union demands for 25 per cent and called for a genuinely universal, free early learning system. Hodgins-May moved a second reading amendment calling for long-term workforce certainty and the removal of profit from the sector, noting that contractor-based educators were excluded from the current payment.

Stewart highlighted the bill's benefits for First Nations communities and the importance of culturally safe early learning. Stewart noted that the legislation extended the special account to December 2029 and required providers to meet health and safety standards to receive funding. Stewart argued that fair pay and fee caps ensured families were not burdened with higher costs while educators received deserved recognition.

Colbeck supported the opposition's amendments, arguing that the bill's industrial relations requirements disadvantaged family day care services operating with independent contractors. Colbeck cited specific closures in Tasmania due to regulatory pressures and lack of support for non-employee workforce models. Colbeck stated the government should allow dual-application facilities and support existing services rather than forcing them into a specific employment structure.

Whiteaker shared personal anecdotes about the value of early childhood educators and praised the wage rise for improving living standards for workers. Whiteaker noted that over 312,000 grant agreements had been signed and that the bill provided certainty for planning. Whiteaker emphasised that the fee restraint mechanism protected families from cost increases while ensuring educators were paid fairly for their skilled work.

Walker argued the bill addressed interconnected issues of wages, affordability, and safety by linking funding to National Quality Standard compliance. Walker noted that participating centres saw fee growth at half the rate of non-participating ones, saving families money. Walker stated the legislation recognised educators as professionals and provided the financial backing necessary to retain staff and maintain service quality.

Dolega highlighted local investments in Tasmania and the positive impact of the wage rise on staff retention and vacancy rates. Dolega stated the bill credited $3.6 billion to the special account and extended the program to provide certainty for services and families. Dolega emphasised that the fee cap prevented a potential 17 per cent increase in childcare costs, saving the average family $1,500.

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Darmanin supported the bill as a means to value the predominantly female workforce and secure pay rises for over 215,000 educators. Darmanin highlighted that the initial payment had increased the workforce by approximately 20,000 workers and reduced job vacancies by nearly 31 per cent. Darmanin argued that extending the support until June 2028 would maintain stability and allow educators to receive around $255 more per week. Darmanin noted that the bill also introduced measures to reduce funding for services failing to meet national safety standards.

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O'Sullivan moved an amendment welcoming the certainty of the sector but noting the payment should end in November 2026. O'Sullivan argued that the government failed to address cost-of-living pressures and that eligibility requirements excluded much of the family day care workforce. O'Sullivan claimed the requirement for a workplace instrument to access the payment created unnecessary administrative burdens. O'Sullivan contended that extending the temporary payment did not create a durable financial framework after June 2028.

Payman requested that her support be recorded for specific parts of the opposition amendment. Payman supported the clauses welcoming sector certainty and noting the lack of a sustainable long-term funding model. Payman did not support the clause suggesting the payment should end in November 2026.