Part-time provisions under review in Children’s Services Award and 10 other modern awards

The Fair Work Commission has commenced a significant review of part-time employment provisions in the Children’s Services Award 2010, as part of a broader case involving 11 modern awards.

Announced by the Commission’s Expert Panel, this review represents the final priority area from the Modern Awards Review 2023–24 Final Report. It aims to examine whether current part-time arrangements remain appropriate and responsive to the needs of modern workplaces, particularly in sectors such as early childhood education and care (ECEC), where flexibility and workforce stability are critical.

The Children’s Services Award 2010 is among 11 awards under review. Others include the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020, and the General Retail Industry Award 2020.

The case will involve a fundamental review of how part-time employment is defined and applied, with the Expert Panel providing a provisional view on the issues to be examined. 

This may include the adequacy of current minimum hour requirements, rostering practices, and flexibility provisions.

Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the process by filing submissions by 4pm AEST on 22 August 2025, addressing the background paper and the scope of the review.

A hearing will occur in Sydney at 11am AEST on 3 September 2025, with registrations required by 1 September 2025 via [email protected].

Updates and documents relating to the review will be made available on the Fair Work Commission’s website, under the Review of part-time provisions in certain modern awards.

This review presents an important opportunity for ECEC sector stakeholders, educators, employers and advocates alike, to help shape future employment standards that better support part-time workforce participation in early learning settings.