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

Summary

This legislation creates a special account to fund ongoing wage support for early childhood education and care workers, addressing persistent underpayment in the sector. It establishes a dedicated funding mechanism to ensure childcare workers receive fairer compensation while maintaining the stability and safety standards of early childhood services. The measure recognizes that better wages in this sector lead to improved quality of care, reduced staff turnover, and better outcomes for children, while also addressing the chronic workforce shortage that has made childcare less accessible and more expensive for Australian families.