Full-time job growth under Labor: What it means for the ECEC workforce

Australia’s employment market remains resilient, with the latest ABS Labour Force figures showing continued growth in full-time jobs, particularly for women. While this trend highlights national economic strength, it is unclear whether the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce is sharing in the gains, with shortages continuing to impact quality and stability.

Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said Australia had added 250,000 full-time jobs over the past year, with women’s participation reaching near historic highs. In May, there was an increase of 38,700 full-time roles, including 40,000 new jobs for women, bringing female full-time employment to a record high of more than 4 million.

“These figures reflect a strong labour market and the effectiveness of our policies to support secure employment,” Minister Rishworth said. “Full-time work, particularly for women, is a key part of improving financial security and easing cost-of-living pressures.”

Despite the national uplift, many ECEC providers continue to report challenges attracting and retaining qualified staff. While the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1 per cent, a small decline in total employment was attributed to a decrease in part-time roles, a segment where many educators, particularly those in casual or relief positions, are employed.

This data raises questions about whether full-time job gains are reaching the ECEC workforce in meaningful ways. As a sector heavily reliant on women, and with a significant proportion of part-time roles, ensuring secure, well-paid and permanent positions remains critical to workforce retention.

Minister Rishworth acknowledged the importance of training and workforce planning in a changing economy.

“We are focused on making sure our education and training system is fit for purpose and aligned to the jobs of the future,” she said.

For the ECEC sector, that future must include sustained attention to educator pathways, recognition and wellbeing. With ongoing input from Jobs and Skills Australia and other planning bodies, it is hoped that early learning will be prioritised as a growth area, recognising its critical role in supporting children, families and Australia’s broader economy.