ACA maintains call for wage subsidies as FWC hearings commence

Freya Lucas

Aug 16, 2023

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The Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) has maintained its calls for the Australian Government to provide direct wage subsidies to early childhood educators as the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector awaits the outcome of Fair Work Commission (FWC) hearings which will take place today and tomorrow.

The hearing will determine whether to authorise an application made by representatives of the ECEC sector which will enable multiple employers, the United Workers Union and the Federal Government to work together in negotiations for improving wages for the long day care sector.

The success of this negotiation, ACA President Paul Mondo explained, will be largely dependent on a Federal Government commitment to provide funding for the negotiated outcome.

“ECEC needs a significant wage increase to attract and retain more workers in a highly competitive labour market amid a critical workforce shortage across the country,” he said.

“Our educators and teachers are the heart of any centre, and it is vital they are supported at work and paid fairly. But our families are also struggling under the rising cost of living pressures and cannot afford additional out-of-pocket costs passed on to them.”

A workforce that is supported and paid fairly is one of two key factors required for Australia to offer quality education and care, he continued, with the other being a viable and sustainable sector.

ACA has consistently advocated for additional government support to help attract and retain more early learning educators, as the sector faces a critical national workforce shortage.

“We look forward to working with the Australian Government and all other parties involved in the negotiation process, to ensure the best possible outcome for our early childhood educators, the early learning sector and Australia’s families with young children,” Mr Mondo concluded.

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