Labor’s $3.6b pre-election pay boost for childcare workers

The Albanese government will fund a 15 per cent, $3.6 billion pay rise for childcare workers over the next two years on the proviso their employers agree to limit fee increases until after the election, and accept longer-term, union-negotiated pay deals for their workers.

The move seeks to dampen cost-of-living concerns ahead of the next election as well as build a sizeable workforce in the sector, which is essential if Labor is to achieve its stated aspiration of delivering universal childcare.