4th Nov 2024, 6:08 PM – Representatives Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) Bill 2024 - Second Reading - Criticism of Government

The majority voted against an amendment to the usual second reading motion, which is "that the bill be read a second time" (parliamentary jargon for agreeing with the main idea of the bill). This means the usual motion will remain as it is.

Amendment text

That all words after “That” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

“whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House notes:

(1) the Government’s economic mismanagement and cost-of-living crisis has led to higher wage bills, and higher utility, rent and grocery bills for providers;

(2) the bill will place further administrative burden on providers, particularly small and medium providers;

(3) the bill will put further financial pressure on providers who will have to cover the majority of the on costs, cannot increase their fees and have to pay the wages upfront, whilst receiving reimbursement in arrears;

(4) the Government has done nothing to address child care deserts and thin markets around the country, and this bill will not increase access for parents who currently have none; and

(5) the bill is a one-off sugar hit, which will only increase inflation further contributing to current cost-of-living pressures”.