Dec 01, 2025
Educators Wage Increase Announcement
200,000 early childhood educators will receive the second instalment of the Federal Government’s 15% wage subsidy starting from today. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare, Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth and Early Learning Minister Jess Walsh joined educators at Goodstart Isaacs to celebrate the milestone today.
The wage subsidy recognises that workers in the early childhood sector – 96% of whom are women – have been systemically undervalued for a long time. The Fair Work Commission in a major decision in April recognised this and recommended substantial increases in wages. The Federal Wage Subsidy ensures that Government not parents are paying this vital wage increase.
Since the wage subsidy started in December 2024, vacancies across the sector have fallen by 18%. That is great news for children and families because a more stable workforce means that children can develop more stable relationships with their educators, which is the very heart of high-quality early learning.
Jason Clare Press Conference on Wage Increases for Educators
The wage subsidy recognises that workers in the early childhood sector – 96% of whom are women – have been systemically undervalued for a long time. The Fair Work Commission in a major decision in April recognised this and recommended substantial increases in wages. The Federal Wage Subsidy ensures that Government not parents are paying this vital wage increase.
Since the wage subsidy started in December 2024, vacancies across the sector have fallen by 18%. That is great news for children and families because a more stable workforce means that children can develop more stable relationships with their educators, which is the very heart of high-quality early learning.
Jason Clare Press Conference on Wage Increases for Educators
