Thousands more childcare workers will receive funding to stay in the sector and upskill as part of the federal government's attempt to tackle Australia's childcare crisis.
Across the country, there is a dire shortage of qualified employees, which has prompted childcare centres to cap enrolment numbers and turn kids away.
But with more than 14,000 workers having joined early childhood education since May 2022, and another 123,00 educators and teachers in training, the government is determined to keep them in the sector.
Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly said it was "wonderful to see growth in such a vital workforce which has been struggling with shortages for several years."
"Improving the capacity and capability of services is vital to delivering the quality early childhood education sector that families rely on," she said.
The $72.4 million package will allow thousands of educators, teachers and centre directors to undertake professional development.
It will financially support those who want to undertake a practical study course at a different service while also providing an allowance for students who do so in a rural or remote area.
More than 1200 early childhood education and care services have already received payments that will help more than 15,000 workers.
Education Minister Jason Clare said these employees played an important role in the lives of young Australians.
"There are more educators and teachers in our early education and care sector than ever before, but we need even more," he said.
