Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh honours educators with message of recognition and reform

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Fiona Alston

Sep 03, 2025

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Minister for Early Childhood Education Jess Walsh has shared the following exclusive acknowledgement with The Sector, coinciding with Early Childhood Educators’ Day. In her message, Minister Walsh speaks directly to the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, recognising the vital work of educators and outlining the Albanese Government’s commitment to valuing the workforce.

Meeting with dedicated educators is one of my favourite parts of this job.

They work incredibly hard. But for too long, that hard work was undervalued.

The Albanese Government is taking action to turn that around.

We’ve delivered a historic 15 per cent pay rise to help educators stay in the jobs they love.

This is the biggest ever Commonwealth-funded wage increase for this workforce.

This pay rise is well-deserved. We know that a quality, stable workforce is the foundation of quality early learning.

Happy Early Childhood Educators’ Day to all our dedicated educators and thank you for the work that you do!

Authorised by the Hon. Jess Walsh, Minister for Early Childhood Education.

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