Pay Parity
This is your comprehensive repository of information and guidance to navigate the complex and variable landscape of Pay Parity. Read through our press releases to follow ECC’s advocacy since the initiation of the policy, find our Pay Parity toolkit and calculator and revisit webinars we have run. Stay informed, make informed decisions and access vital support.
Navigating your Wages and Funding
The Pay Parity opt-in scheme is designed to address the wage disparity between certificated teachers employed in education and care services and their counterparts in kindergartens.
The scheme offers higher funding rates to education and care services that confirm they pay their certificated teachers in alignment with the unified salary scales as specified in Appendix Four of the Funding Handbook. By the start of 2024 there will be three different scales available: Pay Parity, Extended Pay Parity, and Full Parity.
Since its implementation in 2021, Pay Parity has posed a number of challenges for providers. The assessment of initial salary steps, the attestation progress, recordkeeping and verification emerged as key issues at the start of implementation.
The mechanics of the policy and concerns around the funding gap and the financial viability of centres have been central to our work.
As well as being a strong voice to government and the sector on this policy, we want to empower members with the knowledge, strategies and support necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by Pay Parity.
Member-only resources
Below is a sample of resources available free to members. Members can log in to the Member Portal to see the full list of templates, guidelines and other resources.
Request for more information - staff letter template
Pay Parity Steps 1-6 sample letter for staff
Extended Parity Steps 1-11 sample letter for staff
Full Parity - sample letter for staff
Letter to agencies - attestation of certificated teachers
Pay Parity and Extended Pay Parity Toolkit
Related news
View media and press releases from the Early Childhood Council related to this topic.
November 23, 2023
‘Discrepancy’ of $253 million means 18,000 teachers missing out on Pay Parity and ECEs closing fast
The Labour Government’s early learning Pay Parity promise became unaffordable in June 2023.
April 6, 2023
Priority hearing for ECC Pay Parity legal action set for 19 and 20 July
Early learning centres impacted by the government's Pay Parity initiative will have their day in court in July.
June 2, 2023
ECC withdraws Pay Parity legal action after significant early learning investment promise in Budget 2023
Budget 2023’s promise of significant additional ECE funding has the potential to help many centres avoid financial unviability and hardship, as long as the current 20-hours conditions are kept, prompting the Early Childhood Council to withdraw its urgent legal action.
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