The peak body for First Nations children and families has welcomed the federal government's decision to extend the Worker Retention Payment, describing the measure as a critical investment in the early childhood education and care workforce.
This week, the government announced it would invest $3.6 billion over the next two years to maintain the 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood education and care (ECEC) workers, with childcare centres required to limit fee increases for families to receive the funding.
"Only child care centres who agree to limit their fees for parents will be eligible to receive funding for this wage increase for workers," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
"We're making child care more affordable, lifting standards and backing the people who help shape the next generation of Australians."
SNAICC - National Voice for Our Children chief executive Catherine Liddle said the extension would help maintain a stable and capable workforce while supporting the delivery of quality early learning services.
"This announcement acknowledges that fairly paid educators are critical to providing high-quality care and services for children and families," Ms Liddle said.
"We know that this investment made a huge difference in the everyday lives of ECEC workers across the country, helping to maintain a capable and stable workforce."
Ms Liddle said the payment had been particularly valuable for Aboriginal Community-Controlled early learning services, especially in regional and remote areas where recruiting and retaining qualified educators remains challenging.
"Extending this investment is not just sensible, it's essential and is the type of practical reform that's necessary in the sector," she said.
"And when it comes down to it, our educators deserve to be paid in line with the vital role they play in shaping children's learning, development and wellbeing."
The government says the policy has contributed to an increase of 20,000 ECEC workers since it was introduced — approximately 8 per cent — while job vacancies have fallen by almost 31 per cent.
"The payment has worked to bring more people into the early education workforce and to keep costs down for families," Education Minister Jason Clare said.
"Turns out if you pay people more, more people want to do the job."
Ms Liddle said continued investment in Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation-led early childhood services was one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
"We encourage governments to continue building on reforms that support these services to thrive," she said.
"Every eligible ACCO-led service should have the opportunity to access this funding."
