Karen Grogan (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Early Childhood Education, Senator Walsh. Parents know that the early childhood education and care workforce is the backbone of the sector. Today's parliamentary event celebrating Early Learning Matters Week reminds us all just how vital that workforce is not only for children's development and their wellbeing but also for families being able to work and being able to contribute to the economy more broadly. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to back our early childhood education and care workforce and ensure that their essential work is properly recognised?

Jess Walsh (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Early Childhood Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Grogan, for your support for early childhood education and educators. Early childhood educators work hard every day to give children a great start in life, but their work has been overlooked and undervalued for too long. When we first came to government, educators couldn't afford to stay in the jobs they loved because their pay didn't reflect the value of their contribution—and love just doesn't pay the rent.

We had workers leaving in droves. That's why the Albanese government is investing $3.6 billion to deliver a historic 15 per cent pay rise for the early childhood workforce. This means that educators can afford to stay in the jobs they love. From December last year, a typical full-time educator received a pay rise of at least $103 per week, and, in just over three months time, that will increase to at least $155 per week.

On this side of the chamber, we see our early childhood educators. We value them. We respect their contribution. We don't just talk about it; we act on it. This 15 per cent pay rise is paying dividends. Educators are staying in their roles for longer, with vacancy rates down by almost a quarter. When educators stay, the whole system is stronger. These are good jobs, meaningful jobs, important jobs—jobs where trained educators shape children's futures and support families. For too long, that work was taken for granted. Under the Albanese government, educators are recognised and rewarded.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Grogan, first supplementary?

Karen Grogan (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's great to hear how well that's going. Another key part of the Albanese Labor government's reforms has been the worker retention payment, which, I believe, has helped keep experienced educators in the sector while attracting new staff. Could the minister outline how this measure is also benefiting children by ensuring they are educated and cared for by a stable, secure and respected workforce?

Jess Walsh (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Early Childhood Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, I can. We know that the early years matter. Ninety per cent of brain development occurs in the first five years of a child's life, and quality early education helps prepare children to thrive—to thrive in school and to thrive in life. It's even more important for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. And the foundation of quality in early learning is a stable and respected workforce. We want educators to build lasting bonds with each child, to understand their unique traits and characteristics and tailor their education and care accordingly, so this historic 15 per cent pay rise for the early childhood workforce is good for families. On top of that, services that signed up for the worker retention payment must cap fees. This is saving families money, while valuing educators. That is how you deliver quality early learning.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Grogan, second supplementary?

Karen Grogan (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We know that the gender pay gap has closed to record low levels. How does valuing our early childhood educators contribute to gender equality, and how is supporting educators good for our productivity, the economy and our country more broadly?

Jess Walsh (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Early Childhood Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Albanese government is building universal early education, pillar by pillar, and this means delivering early learning for every child, no matter their postcode or what their parents do. Quality and affordable early childhood education supports parents, particularly women, to return to work when they are ready.

In contrast, we know how those opposite feel about early education. When we delivered our historic 15 per cent pay rise, they dismissed it as 'a sugar hit'. On this side of the chamber, we know that supporting educators is good for the country. It's good for gender equality, and that is good for the country, too. That is why this 15 per cent pay rise is paying dividends for early childhood educators, for children and their families and for Australia.