Teachers Are Teachers Campaign Gains NSW Parliament Support

A pledge by both sides of State Parliament to support better pay for early childhood teachers has been welcomed, but must be backed up by dollars.

NSW MPs gave in-principle support to a petition of 12,000 signatures last, calling for early childhood teachers to be paid at the same level as primary school teachers.

Early childhood teachers with the same qualifications as primary school teachers can earn up to 20% less.

However, the in-principle support was not backed up by any financial commitment.

Opposition Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt called on the O'Farrell Government to release the early childhood funding review by Professor Deb Brennan, which was commissioned 12 months ago. 

"The Government has been dragging its heels when it comes to early childhood reform," Ms Tebbutt said.

IEU General Secretary John Quessy supported this demand.

"Today's announcement has given early childhood teachers a glimmer of hope, but to stem the tide of people leaving the profession, we need a solid commitment from the Government outlining how they are going to address the pay inequities.

"It is not up to parents to make up the shortfall with higher fees, the Government must commit to supporting this crucial sector in our community."