The Worker Retention Payment (WRP) has been live for over six months, offering early childhood providers a game-changing chance to secure a 15% funded pay rise—10% from December 2024, with another 5% from December 2025.
As at 15th May 2025, the Department of Education has reported the following:
- 2,672 applications have been submitted, covering around 85% of eligible workers and 60% of eligible services.
- 353 providers have been approved to join the Multi Employer Agreement, with almost 1/3 of those provider having been guided by the CELA & CCC Workplace Relations Team.
But just a reminder to all services who have not yet applied: to access the funding, you will need a legally binding workplace instrument.
Why do you need a workplace instrument?
“A workplace instrument sets the ground rules for wages, conditions, and hours so there’s no ambiguity,” says Laura Stevens, Director of Policy and Strategy and the leading IR expert on the Workplace Relations Team. “It guarantees that the funding flows straight to workers, with no detours. This workplace instrument needs to be in place prior to applying for the Worker Retention Payment, as it forms part of the application.”
Laura and her team have been working closely with services across Australia to guide them through their WRP applications.
Eligible workers including teachers, educators, room leaders, cooks, coordinators and support staff can all benefit.
As Michele Carnegie, CEO of CELA, says: “This is an opportunity for services to provide the wage uplift needed for educators and teachers, to improve retention, recruitment and to show that their work is valued. “
So, how do services start the process in choosing a workplace instrument?
Download our Options Pack here, which provides an overview of all of your options in choosing a workplace instrument.
Options include:
- Joining the MEA (national agreement)
- Using Individual Flexibility Arrangements (IFAs) for each eligible worker
- Signing onto the Professional Community Standard (PCS) (Victoria-based)
If you have any questions contact us for guidance through adminWRT@cela.org.au or 1300 346 818.
Take note of the key 30 June deadline
To access back pay to December 2024, you must submit your application with the workplace instrument no later than June 30th.
If you are not already on the MEA or PCS, IFAs are the only option. If you are using IFAs, you can also then choose to join the MEA at a later date and still access the back pay if your application is in before the deadline.
“If you’re still waiting to get an eligible workplace instrument call us today to ensure you can access the maximum funding available.” Says Laura Stevens
Regardless of what stage your service is at the Workplace Relations Team have the tools, templates, and guidance you need to lock in your workplace instrument and secure WRP funding.
Email: adminWRT@cela.org.au
Call: 1300 346 818
About CELA
Community Early Learning Australia is a not for profit organisation with a focus on amplifying the value of early learning for every child across Australia - representing our members and uniting our sector as a force for quality education and care.