Australia needs 16,000 new educators to fill shortfall in child care sector, inquiry told

At Goodstart, between 80 and 100 centres have capped enrolments due to staff shortages, a Senate hearing has heard

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Australia will need to hire 16,000 new early childhood educators to address shortages and meet increased demand after the federal government pledged billions in childcare subsidies.

Labor has announced a $4.7bn policy to further subsidise child care from July 2023 as part of its plan to improve women's participation in the workforce.