Documents Relating To The Announcement Of The 15% Pay Rise For Early Childhood Educators

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The Australian Government Solicitor's August 2024 letter confirms the Commonwealth's commitment to fund a 15% pay rise for early childhood education and care (ECEC) workers, announced in the 2024-25 Budget. The ECEC Worker Retention Payment will commence December 2024 for two years, phased at 10% in year one and 15% in year two based on award rates. Funding will be calculated monthly using a wages formula tied to provider hours worked and will cover wages plus associated on-costs. Access is conditional on eligible providers employing staff under compliant workplace instruments. The initiative addresses long-standing ECEC workforce recruitment and retention challenges, supports affordability through existing Cheaper Child Care reforms, and aligns with the government's universal early education and care agenda.