WELCOME STABILITY FOR CHILDREN’: PARENTS CELEBRATE DROP IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR VACANCIES FOLLOWING PAY RISE NEWS

New data shows the Federal Government-funded pay rise for early childhood educators, which was legislated in November, has already improved the educator workforce shortage.

Media release

Monday 20 January - New data shows the Federal Government-funded pay rise for early childhood educators, which was legislated in November, has already improved the educator workforce shortage.

Jobs and Skills Australia figures show vacancies in the sector dropped 22 per cent in the 12 months to December 2024.

CEO of The Parenthood, Georgie Dent praised the wage rise as ‘historic’, and commended the Government for successfully incentivising early childhood education as a career path.  

“It’s so encouraging to see the loss of early educators being stemmed since the announcement of increased pay for this invaluable workforce,” said Ms Dent. 

“A more stable early childhood education and care workforce directly translates to welcome stability for children, families and educators themselves. Improved retention rates and a drop in staff vacancy rates will help improve access which is critical for children, parents’ ability to participate in paid work, employers and communities.” 

“For too long, the female-dominated early childhood education and care workforce were among the lowest-paid workers in Australia, despite their skills and the vital role they play in children’s development and education. The wage increase is absolutely critical for educators, particularly with the rising cost of living, and the drop in vacancy rates affirms it as an effective policy to be celebrated.”

In December, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $1 billion fund to build or expand 160 early learning services in underserved areas. 

“Educator workforce shortages are more severe in regional, rural and remote communities - causing many services across the country to either reduce the number of children they can take or close their doors altogether, leaving many families without care. 

“The wage rise, coupled with the expansion of services in these areas, and making the Child Care Subsidy more accessible to parents who don’t have secure work set a really strong foundation for a universal early learning system. 

“We commend the Government for driving this reform and look forward to working with all parties on their commitments to improve access for early childhood education for all children and families.

“The next step is addressing the ever-increasing out-of-pocket cost for early childhood education and care with affordability measures like a low set daily fees which will radically reduce the cost of living pressure on households with young children,” said Ms Dent.