CELA CEO Michele Carnegie was invited by ACECQA to deliver the closing address at the National Workforce Forum, reflecting on two days of sector-wide discussion about what it will take to build a sustainable early education and care system that is both high quality for children and sustainable for providers.
In her closing reflections, Michele captured both the urgency and the opportunity in front of the sector. This was the second National Workforce Forum, and as she noted, it could not have come at a more important time, quoting Councillor Yvonne Weldon AM’s reminder that the actions of today form the milestones of the future.
Across the two days, one message rang clear: a stable, skilled, and valued workforce is the single most important safeguard against harm to children, and the foundation for a universal, high quality system.
A shared moment, and a shared responsibility
Michele reflected on the unique alignment the sector is experiencing right now. Governments, providers, educators, and families all want a system that delivers high quality outcomes for children while remaining sustainable for services. That alignment creates momentum, but it also brings responsibility.
Everyone has a role to play in shaping the future of the workforce. It starts with sparking interest and connection, so educators can see, and feel, the impact of their work.
The National Early Childhood Education and Care Workforce Census findings discussed at the forum reinforced this point. The highest number of people entering the sector are aged 21 to 24. Attraction matters, but so does what comes next: keeping people in the sector.
What keeps the spark alive
Michele drew on Elizabeth Death’s insight that workforce retention depends on meeting both the heart and head factors that shape an educator’s decision to remain in the sector.
On the heart side, the forum heard that feeling valued and appreciated, community respect, and support for wellbeing are key reasons people stay. These factors are central to whether educators can bring their best selves to the work, and whether they feel proud to remain in the profession.
But heart factors alone are not enough.
Michele emphasised that the head factors must be addressed too: professional pay and conditions that allow teachers and educators to do their job well, and to experience professional satisfaction.
In Michele’s words, these conditions “keep the spark alive”, and they are inseparable from quality.
High quality learning environments for all children require enough skilled staff, supported to do complex work. When services have the workforce capacity they need, they can build strong teams that stay in the sector.
Investing in the workforce is the foundation of retention
A key theme in Michele’s reflection was that investing existing funding wisely at service level is essential. If we want retention, investment needs to be made in the workforce first. That includes ensuring there are enough teachers and educators to meet the diverse needs of children. Investing in professional development is also critical, so educators feel equipped and confident in their roles. Workplace experience counts, and educators need the conditions, guidance, and learning opportunities that enable them to grow.
Michele also noted encouraging evidence shared at the forum: the worker retention payment is having the intended impact. She acknowledged the work of The Department of Education in standing up the payment program in record time, delivering a pay increase to more than 215,000 people over the past 12 months.
Reducing barriers to entry
Workforce supply remains an issue, and Michele highlighted the importance of removing barriers to entry. The forum heard that 'earn while you learn' pathways and addressing placement poverty are areas requiring focus. These practical barriers can stop capable people from joining, or completing their qualifications, even when they are motivated to work in early education and care.
Attraction strategies also need to be smarter and more targeted, grounded in where people are coming from and what will genuinely capture their attention, interest, and commitment.
The power of language in strengthening professional identity
Michele reflected on a simple but powerful point shared during the forum: language counts. By choosing words carefully, leaders can show they value early education and care, and respect educator and teacher professionalism.
This connects to a broader shift Michele observed: the sector is far from broken. It has grown and changed, and it now requires evolution. How we speak about the sector, and about educators, shapes community perceptions, professional identity, and ultimately retention.
Reform that is clear minded and evidence led
Looking ahead to the next phase of early education and care reform, Michele called for a deliberate focus on reforms that build a workforce of capable, well paid professionals who are truly valued.
She emphasised the need for a clear minded approach from government and sector leaders to:
- distinguish between issues that need revolution versus evolution
- create opportunities for positive change while managing risks
- prioritise what is important while still solving urgent issues
- ensure government investment in education and care delivers maximum value, based on evidence
Michele also pointed to the importance of a workforce that reflects the children and communities it serves. With 268,050 ECEC workers (91 per cent female) and a significant proportion holding ECEC qualifications, the sector must also respond to diversity and changing needs. The forum noted that 66,000 Aboriginal children and 19.3 per cent of children who speak a language other than English at home are part of the system, underscoring why cultural and linguistic capability matters.
An upward trend in children with disability or underlying health needs also requires workforce expertise that can meet rising complexity.
(Source: 2024 National Early Childhood Education and Care Workforce Census)
The bottom line: get it right for educators, get it right for children
Michele closed with a quote from Child Australia CEO Tina Holtom that brought the forum’s discussions back to what matters most.
Our children deserve adults who feel safe, valued and supported. And, our educators deserve systems that honour the weight of their work.
Michele’s final message was simple and compelling: when we get it right for the workforce, we get it right for children.
Further reading:
ACECQA - National Workforce Strategy
ACECQA - 2024 Early Childhood Education and Care National Workforce Census report