VOTERS OF ALL STRIPES SUPPORT PAY RISE FOR EDUCATORS WHO “COULD EARN MORE AT MACCAS”
7 October 2024 – New polling reveals six in 10 Australians support the FederalGovernment’s proposed pay rise for early childhood educators, with majority support amongst Coalition, Labor and Greens voters.
Only 18 per cent opposed the Government-funded pay rise – legislation for which is currently being considered by a Senate committee – while 24 per cent had no opinion.
When asked to choose between supporting the pay rise for the low-paid profession, or opposing it in the belief it would lead to inflation, 74 per cent supported it.
Jay Weatherill from Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five campaign said the results were a clear indication Australians see the benefit of investment in early childhood education and care.
“You cannot have a high-quality childcare and early education system, which is accessible to all Australian families, without a strong workforce,” Mr Weatherill said.
“We have a dire shortage of early childhood educators in this country, in large part because many of them are paid so little, they could earn more working at a fast food outlet.”
On Friday Thrive by Five made a submission to the Senate committee considering the wage increase, which highlighted the positive flow-on impacts it would have for the economy.
“Too many Australian parents languish for years on childcare waitlists when they are ready and willing to go back to work. This is setting back women’s careers and damaging national productivity,” Mr Weatherill said.
“The Government’s pay rise for early childhood educators would be the first step in creating a universally accessible childcare and early education system.”
Women, people with dependents and Labor voters were slightly more likely to support the move than men, people without dependents and Coalition voters. However, there was majority support amongst all groups.
“This is policy that passes the pub test with flying colours, no matter which way you look at it,” Mr Weatherill said.
“It is a long-overdue raise for people paid as little as $24 an hour to educate and care for our precious young ones.”
