Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Worker Retention Payment

To be eligible, applicants must be legal entities providing Centre-Based Day Care (CBDC) or Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services, such as incorporated bodies, companies, co-operatives, government bodies, councils, Indigenous corporations, sole traders, or partnerships. They must have a valid ABN, a registered account with an Australian financial institution, and CCS approval.

Entities on the National Redress Scheme’s list of non-participating institutions, Commonwealth agencies, overseas residents, or any organisation not meeting the eligibility criteria are ineligible.

Providers must have legally enforceable workplace instruments in place, ensuring payment of at least 10% above applicable award rates, increasing by an additional 5% from 1 December 2025.