Daniel Mulino (Fraser, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I recently visited Church Street Children's Centre in West Footscray. I spoke to passionate early childhood educators, including director Daljit and assistant director Adriana, who are a part of more than 1,000 workers employed by the early childhood care sector in my electorate of Fraser. Every day, parents trust Daljit, Adriana and other childhood educators with one of the most important jobs in Australia. They explained that they love their jobs and have truly found their calling in helping young children to learn, build confidence and realise their unique personalities.

The Albanese Labor government is making sure that early childhood educators are fairly paid and has committed to funding a 15 per cent wage increase for these workers. In December 2024 early childhood educators will receive a pay rise of at least $103 a week, increasing to $155 a week in December 2025. This will see the highly feminised workforce be recognised for their work and receive cost-of-living relief, particularly in conjunction with our revised tax cuts. This will not be passed on to families, as childcare centres will not be able to increase their fees by more than 4.4 per cent over the next 12 months. This is a long overdue workplace reform, but it's also a social reform and an important economic reform that will boost labour force participation. I also acknowledge the important and sustained work of the United Workers Union and their dedication in advocating for their members for a very much deserved pay rise.