17 June 2026
Latest News
The following text is lifted from an ACA Media Release - Wednesday 17 June 2026:
The Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement extending the worker retention payment (WRP) for early childhood educators, describing it as an important step toward supporting workforce stability across the early learning sector.
As the peak body for independent early learning (childcare) services, whose educators support more than 360,000 families across Australia, ACA has consistently advocated for the importance of ongoing funding to support the attraction and retention of educators amid ongoing workforce shortages and in difficult operating environments.
ACA President Paul Mondo said the announcement provides much-needed recognition of the value of early childhood educators and the role they play in delivering high-quality outcomes for children.'
“This is an important investment in the early learning workforce, and a positive step toward recognising the critical role educators play in the lives of children and families across Australia,” Mr Mondo said.
“Providing funding to support wages is essential to maintaining stability in the sector and ensuring services can continue to deliver high-quality early learning whilst maintaining affordability for families.”
The announcement of the WRP extension includes a provision to support ongoing wage subsidies until 2028, whilst retaining a fee cap.
Mr Mondo said the sector will continue to work closely with the Federal Government regarding further details and conditions attached with the funding.
“It is critical that fee restraints are sustainable and support the maintenance of service viability at a time when the sector is experiencing signifi cant vulnerability.” Mr Mondo said.
“We look forward to working with the government to ensure the settings are sustainable for services, support educators effectively, and deliver certainty for families.”
“The commitment to wage funding is one part of a broader reform agenda for early learning. We will take the time to work through the details and continue our discussions with the Government on the next phase of reform,” Mr Mondo said.
“Our shared focus remains ensuring every child in Australia has access to high-quality, affordable early learning and the best start in life.”
ENDS
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