Quotes attributable to Helen Gibbons, Director Early Education, United Workers Union:

“United Workers Union welcomes today’s announcement by the Federal Government for better support for early childhood educators’ professional development.

“Educators are passionate about providing quality early learning to children, and professional development that supports their practice is a must.

“Better access to training and development will improve centres’ ability to attract and retain educators, but it’s not enough alone. To properly respond to the massive workforce crisis in early learning, the Federal Government must follow through and play its role in improving wages.

“The only way to keep educators from leaving the sector at current crisis levels is by paying them a wage that respects their vital contribution to our society.

“Educators have called on the Government to fund a 25% payrise for every educator to fix the crisis in our sector and give educators a reason to stay.”

ENDS 

Media Contact: 1300 898 633, media@unitedworkers.org.au