Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026

Summary

This legislation creates a special government account to fund wage support payments for early childhood education and care workers, aiming to improve their pay and working conditions. The measure establishes new financial mechanisms to deliver these wage subsidies while also strengthening workplace safety standards in the sector. Early childhood workers — including those in childcare centres, preschools, and similar services — would receive direct financial support to boost their often-low wages, while employers face enhanced requirements around staff safety and wellbeing. The initiative addresses the longstanding problem of inadequate pay in early childhood education, which has led to worker shortages and concerns about service quality and safety for children.

What happens at this stage

The bill is introduced to the chamber by its sponsor and given a formal title. No debate takes place. This step exists so all members are officially notified the bill is coming before any substantive discussion begins.

Next: Second Reading, where the chamber debates the bill's overall purpose and principles