Visit our website for the latest information about the worker retention payment.

Wage increase for early childhood education and care workforce

Overview

The Australian Government is funding a wage increase for the ECEC workforce through a worker retention payment. The payment runs for 2 years and will fund:

  • a wage increase of 15% above the modern award rates
  • a minimum of 20% of eligible on-costs.

Providers opt-in by applying for the payment. The payment will be issued to eligible providers through a grant agreement and delivered via the Child Care Subsidy System. Providers must pass the payment on to eligible ECEC workers.

On our website, you’ll find:

  • a summary of the Grant guidelines
  • information about workplace instruments, awards and supported bargaining
  • the minimum rates you must pass on to eligible workers
  • an application guide and more

AU Dept of Education has reported receiving a high volume of incomplete or inaccurate applications. applications must be complete and accurate before they can start our assessments.

Please consult the application guide and ensure you have checked off all the required details before submitting.

Reference : Australian Government Department of Education

Find out more: https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/workforce/wages

Click here for the WORK RETENTION PAYMENT OVERVIEW.