Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) on 27 March 2018, early childhood educators all across Australia will walk off the job, demanding the Government value their work and fund fair pay,

  (ii) early childhood educators provide a vital service in the development of young minds, and

  (iii) qualified early childhood educators can earn as little as $21 per hour, which is half the average wage;

(b) recognises early childhood educators are not being paid a wage commensurate with the value of their social contribution; and

(c) commends early childhood union, United Voice, for their leadership on this campaign, and encourages all childcare educators to participate in standing strong for fair pay.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government respects the work of early childhood educators. Educator wages are entirely a matter for the independent Fair Work Commission. Unions had their case heard and dismissed by the Fair Work Commission under laws written by the previous Labor government. Early learning and childcare centres should value their employees. Indeed, many already pay above the award. The role of government is to help families access affordable early education and care. That is why the coalition government is investing an extra $2.5 billion to deliver more support for more Australians, benefiting around one million families.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to seek leave to get Senator Lines added to this motion.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You can do that without leave. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young?

Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You both could have come to me any time before now.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is denied for that.

Question agreed to.