Children’s Services Award: Wage review decision pending for 2025–26

As the new financial year approaches, early learning services across Australia are awaiting the outcome of the Fair Work Commission’s 2025–26 Annual Wage Review.

As of now, the Fair Work Commission has not yet announced the outcome of the 2025–26 Annual Wage Review, including any percentage increase to the National Minimum Wage or minimum award wages. 

The review process typically takes place between March and June each year, with any confirmed wage changes taking effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July.

For educators and employers operating under the Children’s Services Award, the outcome of this review will directly influence wage entitlements in the 2025–26 financial year. 

Updated pay rates and compliance tools will be made available by the Fair Work Ombudsman once the Commission’s decision is finalised.

In parallel with the wage review, the Fair Work Commission is also finalising a series of technical updates to the Children’s Services Award itself. 

These changes form part of a broader award review process designed to modernise and clarify provisions. 

The updates are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks and may have implications for operational compliance and employment practices across early learning settings.

Additional Support: ECEC Worker Retention Payment

To further support workforce retention, the Australian Government established the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Worker Retention Payment in 2024. This initiative provides eligible early childhood education and care workers with a 15 per cent above-award wage increase.

The payment is part of a broader strategy to address wage disparities within the sector and to attract and retain qualified educators as an ongoing priority for services facing staffing challenges.

For more information, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website: Early Childhood Education and Care Worker Retention Payment.