A $3.6 billion childcare workforce pay deal that gives early educators a 15% pay rise is extended to prevent proposed pay cuts, fee increases and industrial action. Coverage from multiple outlets says the two-year agreement, which was announced ahead of the 2025 election, was originally due to expire in December. Under the deal’s continuation, early educators retain the agreed 15% increase rather than facing reductions when funding ended. The reporting also notes that extending the funding avoids a scenario in which childcare fees could rise and the sector could face a strike. The articles describe the package as a funding arrangement designed to support payroll costs during the agreement period, linking the pay increase to government funding for services and workers. All sources frame the extension as a move to stabilise wages and service costs heading into the end-of-year expiry, reducing the likelihood of disruption in childcare availability.