Provisional FWC Decision Targets Gender Pay Discrepancies Under the Children’s Services Award

Since July 2024, the FWC has been examining the gender undervaluation case affecting children services employees (CSEs) under the Children Services Award. The FWC released its provisional view and full decision, which includes a new classification structure and wage increases across levels. 

Provisional Decision Details:

• New Classification Structure: The FWC’s provisional decision recommends a new, simplified classification structure aligned with the “Caring Skills” benchmark rate. This benchmark rate is set at $1269.80 per week for a Certificate III-qualified employee.

• Phased Implementation: The changes are proposed to be rolled out over five years. The first phase includes a 5 percent wage increase effective from 1 August 2025.

• Wage Increases Across Levels: The decision outlines increases ranging from 9.4% to 27.8% across the various classification levels. Additionally, it restructures the current award into a more streamlined 8-level system to reflect updated roles and responsibilities.

Information About The New Classification Structure and Wages

CSE Level 1 Introductory Educator 

• An employee whose primary role is to work directly with children and who has less than 12 months’ experience as a CSE.
  
  
• $1,142.80 per week.

CSE Level 2 Educator 

• An employee whose primary role is to work directly with children and who has at least 12 months’ experience as a CSE. 
  
  
• $1,206.30 per week

CSE Level 3 Qualified Educator 

• An employee whose primary role is to work directly with children and has obtained an approved Certificate III-level early childhood education and care qualification.
  
  
• $1,269.80 per week

CSE Level 4 Experienced Educator 

• An employee whose primary role is to work directly with children, who has obtained an approved Certificate III-level early childhood education and care qualification, and who has obtained four years’ post-qualification industry experience at CSE Level 3.
  
  
• $1,320.60 per week

CSE Level 5 Advanced Educator 

• An employee whose primary role is to work directly with children and who has completed a diploma-level early childhood education and care qualification or an equivalent approved qualification for out of school hours care.
  
  
• $1,371.40 per week.

CSE Level 6 Lead Educator/ Room Leader 

• An employee who has been appointed as a Lead Educator or Room Leader in accordance with relevant legislation or regulation. 
• $1,422.20 per week.

CSE Level 7 Assistant Director 

• An employee who is appointed as: the Assistant Director of a service; Children’s Services Co ordinator; Family Day Care Co-ordinator; Family Day Care Trainee Supervisor; or School Age Care Co-ordinator and who has completed an AQF Level 5 or Level 6 Diploma in Children’s Services or equivalent or is deemed by the employer or relevant legislation to hold such qualification or possess such experience as appropriate or required for the position.
  
  
• $1,546.70 per week

CSE Level 8 Director 

• An employee who is appointed as the Director of a Service and has completed a relevant degree or other qualification or is deemed by the employer or relevant legislation to hold such qualification or possess such experience as appropriate or required for the position. 
• $1,803.20 per week

A full decision, including wage increases can be viewed here: Full decision

With the federal election scheduled for 3 May 2025, there is an expectation that both the federal government and the opposition will need to address critical questions about how these wage increases will be funded. 

Reference: 
Fair Work Commission Releases It's Provisional View, Australia Childcare Alliance