Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026

Senator WALSH (Victoria—Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth) (19:28): I have had some initial advice on this from the department, but I'm going to check where that is up to. Providers who are currently part of the worker retention scheme will essentially be sent a new agreement rather than having to apply all over again. They will be notified to continue on, and there is a much lower threshold and a simple administrative process for those providers who are already part of the grants program.

The TEMPORARY CHAIR ( Senator Ciccone ): The question that's before the chair is that the amendment on sheet 4098 that has been moved by the opposition be agreed to. It being after 6.30 pm, we'll have to defer that division to a later hour. As the bill cannot now proceed until votes can be taken, I shall report to the Senate.

Progress reported. Further consideration of the bill in Committee of the Whole made an order of the day for the next day of sitting.