G8 Education has welcomed new data released by the Federal Government today, including the savings for Australian families from childcare subsidies and the reduction in workers vacancy rates in the early childhood and care sector.
G8 Education Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Pejman Okhovat highlighted the importance of the new Workforce Retention Payment for the sector.
“As the largest childcare operator to join the MEB process, G8 Education worked with the Government, Unions, other providers and the Fair Work Commission to access this vital funding for the wage increases for our team,” Mr. Okhovat said.
“As a result, more than 10,000 G8 team members across Australia received a 10 per cent pay rise in December 2024, with a further 5 per cent increase in December 2025.”
“We have worked incredibly hard over the last 18 months to improve the retention of our amazing team and reduce our team vacancies, and I am delighted to say that since December 2023 our team vacancy rate has reduced by over 50%. The increased funding is having an impact on levels of attraction and retention of our incredible staff, strengthening the quality of our services for our families and their children.”
“G8 Education will continue to advocate for further reform to support the vital work of our early childhood educators and give all children the best possible start in life.”
Background:
The Department of Education data released today states that an Australian family on an income of $120,000 a year paying the average quarterly fee for 30 hours childcare per week has saved approximately $2,768 since September 2023.
Jobs and Skills Australia data has shown that workforce vacancy rates in the early education and care sector have plummeted over the last 12 months, with internet vacancy rates down 22 per cent since December 2023.