FEDERAL GOVT MUST FUND PAY DEAL FOR EARLY YEARS TO AVOID FEE RISES, SUPPORT EDUCATORS AND IMPROVE ACCESS
Monday 15 January – Thrive by Five says funding the upcoming pay deal for early educators will be essential for the Federal Government to address cost of living concerns for families and get more children into early learning.
Early childhood services and unions are currently involved in multi-employer bargaining, with broad agreement from both parties that pay rates in the sector are too low, contributing to a workforce crisis.
Jay Weatherill, from Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five early years campaign, said fast action was necessary to protect families and give educators a raise whilst still getting the dividend for children from early learning.
“Without a Federal Government commitment to fund the pay deal, families and educators will suffer under further cost of living pressure and fewer children will get access to early education.
“Early educators remain amongst the lowest paid workers in Australia despite being tertiary-qualified and delivering a critical and valuable service.
“Quite simply, you cannot have sufficient early learning places without supporting early learning educators properly.
“What we do not want is families picking up the bill for something that is only fair, and long overdue.”
Media contact: Iona Salter (Essential Media), 0413 185 634
