Workforce LATEST STORIES

Policy

Workforce

NSW preschool wages under scrutiny as IEU challenges funding assumptions

The Independent Education Union (IEU) is intensifying its campaign for higher preschool wages in New South Wales, arguing that current government funding is inadequate to support meaningful pay increases without impacting affordability. At a recent Fair Work Commission hearing, the union challenged assumptions about the Start Strong program and announced plans to gather financial evidence from preschools to support its claim. With the next hearing set for 20 May, the IEU is also calling on educators to engage local MPs and share their stories.

2025-05-08 11:12:16

by Isabella Southwell

Economics

Provider

Workforce

Genius Childcare centres face closure as administrators seek buyer amid $88 million debt

More than 1,100 children and 200 educators face uncertainty as administrators work to find a buyer for Genius Childcare, which collapsed under $88 million in debt. With eight centres already closed and legal action underway, the situation has raised fresh concerns about governance and financial oversight in the early childhood education and care sector.

2025-05-08 10:53:17

by Isabella Southwell

Economics

Policy

Research

Workforce

ECEC workforce exceeds 268,000, but access and equity gaps remain

Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce now exceeds 268,000, according to the 2024 National Workforce Census. While qualifications are improving and enrolments are rising, the sector continues to face staffing pressures, limited capacity and persistent equity gaps, particularly in rural and low income communities.

2025-05-08 10:45:11

by Isabella Southwell

Economics

Policy

Workforce

ECEC leaders welcome Labor’s re-election and early years reform agenda

Peak sector bodies have welcomed the re-election of the Albanese Government, calling it an opportunity to strengthen early years reform and move toward universal access. With a second term now confirmed, ECEC leaders are urging a focus on equity, delivery and workforce outcomes.

2025-05-08 06:05:33

by Isabella Southwell

Economics

Policy

Workforce

Post-election: What Labor’s win means for early childhood education and care

Labor’s re-election delivers continuity and momentum for early learning reform. This article unpacks what has been delivered so far, what comes next, and how the sector may evolve under a second Albanese term.

2025-05-06 06:04:22

by Isabella Southwell

Workforce LATEST STORIES

NSW preschool wages under scrutiny as IEU challenges funding assumptions

Genius Childcare centres face closure as administrators seek buyer amid $88 million debt

ECEC workforce exceeds 268,000, but access and equity gaps remain

ECEC leaders welcome Labor’s re-election and early years reform agenda

Post-election: What Labor’s win means for early childhood education and care

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Post-election: What Labor’s win means for early childhood education and care

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