NSW preschool wages under scrutiny as IEU challenges funding assumptions

The Independent Education Union (IEU) is stepping up its push for professional wages for NSW preschool teachers and educators, following the latest supported bargaining conference in the Fair Work Commission.

The 30 April meeting brought together union representatives, Community Early Learning Australia (CELA), and officials from the NSW Department of Education. It followed a request by Deputy President Judith Wright for the government to provide further detail on how Start Strong funding is allocated and what portion could reasonably be used for wages.

The IEU maintains that current funding levels are insufficient to support meaningful wage increases without compromising affordability for families.

IEU challenges government’s wage assumptions

At the hearing, government representatives restated their position that Start Strong provides adequate resources to support significant pay rises. However, the IEU argued that this assumption fails to reflect real service conditions. Many providers, the union said, cannot access the maximum level of funding and already face rising operational costs.

“The government needs to see how this funding is actually being spent and understand the financial pressures services are under,” the union said in a statement following the meeting.

To strengthen its case, the IEU will collect anonymised case studies from preschools across the state, demonstrating how Start Strong funding is used and where shortfalls lie. The aim is to show that without additional government support, wage increases would require fee hikes, a move at odds with the goal of universal access.

Advocacy campaign shifts to local engagement

As the bargaining process continues, the IEU is calling on preschool members to invite local NSW MPs to visit their services and hear directly from staff about the value of their work.

“Showcase the difference you make. Help decision-makers understand why wages need to reflect the professional nature of your role,” the union said.

The IEU has committed to supporting preschools in organising visits and can provide speaking points, printed handouts and parent information to help communicate key messages.

Services are also encouraged to document any visits and share photos with the union. You can find your local MP here.

What’s next

The next Fair Work Commission conference is scheduled for Tuesday 20 May. In the lead up, the union will continue preparing financial evidence from services and gathering political support across electorates.

The supported bargaining campaign forms part of a broader national push for wage justice in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, with recent Fair Work rulings already recognising the undervaluation of ECEC roles under existing awards.

For more information, visit the IEU’s campaign update.