Anticipating a new wage deal from the Federal Government

ACA NSW would never claim credit for this.

Nevertheless, as discussed ever since last year's and this year's ACA NSW's Members-Only Meetings and Regional Meetings, today's Australian Financial Review (AFR)'s article is the strongest indicator that our forecast of the future of the Federal Government's $3.6b Worker Retention Payments beyond November 2026 may be very much aligned.

With 7 weeks and 5 days till this year's Federal Budget 2026-2027 (on Tuesday, 12 May 2026), today's AFR article has given the strongest indication to date that the Albanese Federal Government will be "... extending the existing 15 per cent rise until the FWC commission increases have caught up ...".

If ACA NSW members have missed past meetings, they can access the recorded videos and slides. Please ensure you use your ACA NSW members' username and password to access.

For any further information/clarification, members can contact ACA NSW via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au.

PUBLISHED: 19 MARCH 2026