11 February 2026
Latest News
Starting from 1 March 2026, the Fair Work Commission’s final decision on the gender-based undervaluation review will bring about major changes to Children’s Services Award classifications and wages.
These changes include a simplified award classification structure, with employees under the Children’s Services Award (CSA) being categorized into one of eight core classifications once the updates take effect.
Additionally, staged wage increases will be implemented, determined by each employee’s specific award classification. The timing of these changes will vary depending on the workplace instrument currently in use, such as the Multi-Employer Agreement (MEA) or the Individual Flexible Arrangements (IFA).
It’s important that early learning service providers understand how these changes apply to their team members, based on their individual circumstances, in order to ensure smooth implementation, maintain compliance, and support their staff through the transition.
The ACA has developed a suite of practical resources to help early learning service providers and their staff understand the outcome of the gender-based undervaluation determination, how it will affect the Children's Services Award (2010), and how and when to implement the changes.
These free resources include:
- a blog article covering the outcomes of the gender-based undervaluation determination
- a blog article featuring guidance on employee reclassification
- an online tool to translate former award levels to the new award classifications
- a fact sheet for educators which employers can circulate to their staff
- staff notification template that employers can tailor to communicate how the gender-based undervaluation determination applies in their own service.
We encourage all early learning service providers to make use of these free resources, which are all available here.
Additionally the ACA has worked closely with Australian Business Lawyers & ADvisors (ABLA) and produced a member-exclusive Gender-based Undervaluation Service Provider Toolkit.
The toolkit is a comprehensive guide on how the award changes will interact with the Worker Retention Payment & much more, including:
- Classification reverse mapping tool
- Detailed case studies
- Payroll guidance (including handling above award payments)
- How the changes impact trainees & junior employee wage
The toolkit can be accessed by ACA members via their relevant ACA State Body Member Portal.
Early learning service providers interested in exploring ACA membership can find out more here.
By leveraging these resources and staying informed, early learning service providers can confidently navigate the upcoming changes, ensuring a fair and compliant workplace that values and supports their team of staff.
