THOUSANDS of early childhood educators, including at Gloucester, wore pink to highlight the “Start Strong, Pay Fair” campaign on Wednesday 18 March, calling for urgent government action to address what has been described as a deepening workforce crisis in the sector.
Rallies and community events were held, with educators, parents and advocates arguing that those responsible for the care and education of young children deserve better pay and conditions.
Kathryn Sterling, an Early Childhood Teacher at Gloucester Preschool, questioned why preschool teachers are not paid the same as their primary school counterparts despite holding equivalent qualifications.
On 16 February 2026, the Fair Work Commission accepted arguments from the Independent Education Union Australia (IEUA) NSW/ACT Branch that the state government should review and increase funding for community preschools to support long-overdue pay rises.
“Newly qualified preschool teachers earn just $72,497 a year under the relevant award, compared to more than $90,000 for teachers in schools and government preschools,” said Gloucester Preschool Centre Manager Robyn Beggs
“Without increased NSW government funding, community preschools may have no choice but to raise childcare fees for families.”
Early childhood teacher Alison Trudgeon said pay disparity makes it “incredibly difficult” for regional community preschools to attract and retain highly qualified staff.
The Union indicated that there are over 700 community preschools across NSW providing a vital service to families and communities by educating and caring for children aged three to five.
“There is a long-term staffing crisis in community preschools and this will only worsen without increased funding for much-needed pay rises,” said IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews.
“Many community preschools face closing.
“Others have been forced to raise fees for families in a cost-of-living crisis.
“More than 90 percent of preschool staff are women, and we need to fix this gender-based pay undervaluation.”
By John WATTS
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