A Point Cook childcare worker is calling on the federal government to honour wage increases promised before the election.
The former Labor government set up a $300 million fund to provide childcare workers with pay rises of between $3 and $5 an hour.
But the Coalition wants to use the money to establish a professional development program and is asking centres to return funding they had been given for wage increases.
Point Cook Goodstart Early Learning Centre director Claire Sutton (pictured) said the government’s actions were disappointing.
“Even though we have had a change of government, for them to ask for the money back and not recognise the industry is disappointing,” she said. “We campaigned and fought for so long to get the pay rises and some recognition for the work we do.
“It’s like we will have to start again.”
Ms Sutton, who has worked in childcare for 15 years, said the pay rises had made staff feel valued. She is worried the government’s actions will discourage people from working in the sector.
“The wages and conditions do make people think twice about working in childcare.”
Assistant Education Minister Sussan Ley said Labor’s scheme was “flawed” and that the government’s program would target professional development opportunities to boost staff retention rates and improve education standards.
“This is shaping up to be the biggest public investment in professional development in the child care sector’s history,” she said.
‘‘I encourage all operators to recognise this once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the skills of some of our lowest-paid workers.”
