The Fair Work Commission has recently decided that it would create a new wage classification system and allowance for educators in preschools and long daycare from January 1, 2022 that includes pay rises ranging from 3.3% to 13.6%.
The new structure will see senior or “highly accomplished” teachers earn a minimum of $85,688 in long-daycare centres and graduate teachers a minimum of $61,927, with curriculum managers paid an $3845 allowance a year on top.
The workplace tribunal confirmed the industry’s minimum rates no longer reflect their levels of training and responsibilities.
The workplace tribunal had flagged the changes in April after upholding the Independent Education Union’s work value case but on Monday decided the full pay rises would come into effect in full and in less than three months.
Stay tuned for updates!
Reference:
Early Childhood Educators’ Pay To Jump By Up To 13pc Next Year, Australian Financial Review, 12 October 2021

The Australian Government is rolling out unannounced spot checks across Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services nationwide. This follows a successful pilot in October–November
***WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT*** Victorian detectives have laid 83 additional charges against former Melbourne childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown, expanding the total number of alleged offences
In April 2025, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) issued a provisional decision recommending staged award increases to address the undervaluation of early childhood educators; however,
Recent commentary has highlighted a striking statistic: 90% of new childcare providers in Australia are run for profit. This raises a fundamental question is this
Regulatory authorities across Australia have identified staffing as a priority area, with a strong focus on ensuring educators hold valid, authentic qualifications. Unfortunately, fraudulent certificates