Extension of workforce transitional provisions

Education Ministers have agreed to extend three workforce transitional arrangements in the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 (National Regulations). This decision provides continuing flexibility for services during a time of workforce challenges and enables governments to fully consider any recommendations arising out of the National Workforce Strategy – Action FA5-1: Review of National Quality Framework Staffing and Qualification Regulations.

The following workforce transitional provisions due to expire on 31 December 2024 will be extended to 31 December 2026:

• Regulation 239A – Regarding attendance of early childhood teachers at centre-based services in remote and very remote areas (NT, NSW, SA, TAS, WA)
• Regulation 242 – Qualification requirements for people ‘taken to be an early childhood teacher’ (NT, ACT, NSW, SA, TAS, WA).

The following workforce transitional provision due to expire on 31 December 2024 will be extended to 31 December 2027:

• Regulation 264 – General qualifications for educators in centre-based services (ACT).

The following workforce transitional provision due to expire on 31 December 2024 will expire as planned on 31 December 2024:

• Regulation 240 – centre-based services in remote and very remote areas – qualifications for educators (SA, TAS, WA).

Work will now progress to amend the National Regulations to extend the operation of the three provisions as outlined above, before the end of 2024.