Today (Thursday 7th September), it is estimated that 3000 to 4000 Early Childhood Educators throughout Australia walked off the job at 3:20 pm to protest over pay conditions, calling for an increase of 35 per cent.  It is the largest early education walk - off in Australia's history. 

On Thursday, 7th September at 3:20pm Educators around Australia will walk off the job to demand higher wages. 

This is the list of 2022 public holidays for each state and territory in Australia. Public holidays can be different depending on the state or territory you're in.

When working as a qualified Early Childhood Teacher (with a university degree) within a service, your rate of pay will come from the Educational Services Teachers Award, 2010.  This Award is specifically for Early Childhood Teachers employed as the ECT in their centre. 

From the 01 July 2017,  the Fair Work Commission has announced a 3.3% increase in minimum wages. The increase will apply to base rates of pay from the first full pay period starting on or after 01 July 2017. 

On Wednesday March 8 (International Woman's Day), at 3:20pm, childcare educators across Australia are set to walk off the job to protest pay rates and draw attention to the large pay gap between male and female dominated professions. 

Childcare union United Voice has a long-running wage case in the Fair Work Commission, arguing that the 97 per cent female workforce is underpaid for working in a “pink collar” sector.

United Voice says some are being paid as little as $20 an hour, which is half the average national average and significantly less than workers in male-dominated professions with comparable skills and qualifications.

Government frontbencher David Gillespie said the strike wouldn’t be welcomed by many mums and dads. “I don’t think it will endear them to a lot of the parents who have pretty busy and complex work arrangements,” the assistant health minister told ABC TV.

Pay rate decisions are from the Fair Work Commission, he added.

Reference: 

Childcare In Australia Is Getting A Big Shake Up,2017,News.com.au

From the 01 July 2016,  the Fair Work commission has announced a 2.4% increase to minimum wages. This will apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2016.

Whether you are doing a Cert 3 or a Diploma traineeship or thinking about doing a traineeship it’s a good idea to understand what wages you will be receiving and the conditions of your traineeship. The following article provides information on What Is A Traineeship, The Traineeship Contract, Wages for a Trainee in Childcare, Employment Conditions for Trainees and more. 

From the 1st July, the Fair Work Commission has just announced an increase of the national minimum wage to 2.5% in Awards. Some allowances in some Awards will also change as a result of this increase. 

As an Educator in Australia, your pay rate falls under the Children’s Services Award 2010. This award states the minimum amount that an employer can pay you based on your qualification and your position while working in an early learning centre. This article will provide you with information on minimum wages, details of classification structure higher duties and allowances. The minimum wage table has been updated to reflect the 3.75% increase that is now in effect from 01 July 2025.