Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (13:55) 

For too long, early childhood educators have been treated as little more than babysitters. But early childhood education plays a critical role in the development of our littlest Australians. By the time they reach the age of five, children have experienced around 90 per cent of their brain development—well before they set foot in primary school. Quality early childhood education makes all the difference, with impacts that last a lifetime.

This overwhelmingly female workforce gives generations of Australians their best start. Those opposite might not believe in this, but they are not babysitters. They are not childcare workers. They are highly skilled and dedicated educators and they deserve to be paid appropriately. That's why the Albanese Labor government is backing in a 15 per cent pay rise for these essential workers.

Clare, a local early childhood educator, rang me last week to tell me how much it means to her. She said: 'It's a remarkable step forward. The wage rise means about $100 more in my weekly pay packet. But it means so much more than that. It's finally being recognised, valued and needed.'

The pay rise boosts women's economic security, it boosts women's workforce participation and it boosts our nation's economy. This pay rise is a testament to the generations of educators who demanded to be seen, heard and valued. As Clare said, 'This is for the next generation of early childhood educators too.'