Wage boost for early education welcomed by Hay Children’s Services

Educator Kate Webber with Tyler Johnson at last week’s bush kinder session. Images: The Riverine Grazier / Cheyenne Hurst.

By Krista Schade

The announcement of a wage rise for early education workers has been welcomed by Hay Children’s Services.

Hay Children’s Services General Manager Emily Perkins said the announcement is a positive one.

“Our service welcomes the announcement by the government regarding the wage increase,” Ms Perkins said.

“We think it is great recognition of the impact early education has on future Australian populations.”

Ms Perkins said despite the positivity of the announcement, there are some limitations – the wage increase does not include pre-school educators.

“We encourage the government to look at the entire early education sector to ensure wages increases are applied across the industry.”

The increase will be phased in over two years, including a 10% increase from December this year, with the remaining 5% from December 2025.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week.

“Knowing your child is safe, happy and learning alongside their friends is priceless. Giving the next generation the best start in life is essential. Today we deliver fair pay for the people who make this possible,” Mr Albanese said.

“Importantly, this agreement will also keep fees down for families. This will provide even more cost- of-living relief.”

Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly said the funding for the wage increase was a “wonderful outcome for a highly feminised workforce that has for far too long been neglected and taken for granted”.

For an average worker receiving the award rate, the wages boost will mean an extra $103 a week in pay by the end of the year, increasing to $155 a week by December 2025.