The deadline to submit your Worker Retention Payment (WRP) application has been extended to 30 September 2025 (previously 30 June 2025), ensuring a 15% pay increase and access to back pay from 4 December 2024.
This is welcome news for services that haven’t yet applied or are still unsure about their eligibility. If you’re yet to start the process, now is the time.
For services not covered by the Multi-Employer Agreement (MEA) or the Professional Community Standard (PCS), Individual Flexibility Arrangements (IFAs) are the only way to meet this requirement.
What is an IFA?
An IFA is a workplace instrument that is a written agreement between an employer and an individual staff member changing certain terms of the award or existing agreement to better suit the employee’s needs. The key is that the employee is better off overall than they would be under the standard award.
Within the funding regulations of the Worker Retention Payment, IFAs allow services to confirm the 15% pay increase required to unlock funding. Here is some of what you need to know to make this happen for your service.
- Consent is crucial – An IFA is voluntary and cannot be imposed. Staff must agree to the changes, and any arrangement must be in their genuine interest.
- Each eligible staff member needs their own IFA – This includes teachers, educators, room leaders, cooks and support workers. The agreement must clearly set out the changes to their award or current agreement and show that they are better off.
- Compliance with WRP requirements are essential - The IFA must confirm that the employee is receiving at least the minimum funded rates outlined in the grant, reflecting the 10% and 5% pay increases.
- Records must be kept and submitted - Signed IFAs need to be stored safely and uploaded with the WRP application to show that the funding conditions have been met.
- Monitor your list - At least 95% of your staff must agree to being on an IFA. IF people leave, or new staff are hired, you’ll need to ensure your 95% compliance level is maintained.
Laura Stevens, Director of Policy and Strategy and the leading IR expert on the Workplace Relations Team, highlights the need to act today:
IFAs give services that aren’t yet on the MEA or PCS a clear pathway to meet the funding requirements and secure back pay. It’s a practical solution, and with support, it can be done quickly and efficiently.
How to start the process
The Workplace Relations Team at CELA and CCC is ready to support services through this process, providing step-by-step instructions, approved templates, and a dedicated team for advice and questions. No HR background is needed—the support is there to make it manageable and clear.
To get started, services can contact the team via adminWRT@cela.org.au or by calling 1300 346 818 or downloading our Options Pack, which outlines all workplace instrument routes.
DOWNLOAD OPTIONS PACK
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.