The Department of Education has reported that approximately 77% of approved providers have applied for the Worker Retention Payment grant thus far. Unfortunately many of these providers have experienced significant delays in the processing of their application.
We understand these extended wait times have created significant stress for those paying the increased rates upfront to their staff, as well as workforce retention issues for others. The current processing times have well surpassed the Department's initial processing estimations, with some providers being left in limbo for many months now.
We have raised these concerns to the Department formally several times now and will continue to do so. Whilst we have begun to see improvements in processing timelines, we acknowledge there are still many providers urgently requiring a solution.
Escalations
Our WRP support service have been escalating Worker Retention Payment applications directly to the Department for those providers who have implemented the pay rise before receiving grant funding, and are therefore experiencing severe financial difficulty.
We will continue to individually escalate these cases, as we understand the gravity of the financial stress this situation has caused.
However, whether you have already implemented the WRP pay rise amounts or not, if you have applied for the WRP, a funding review or an alternative fee growth cap and your applications processing time is causing significant difficulties, please get in touch with our team ASAP.
Looking ahead
We will continue to work closely with the Department to resolve processing delays, in the hopes with the aim that providers will receive more timely application outcomes.
Should you have any queries or concerns regarding your application please do not hesitate to reach out to our team on 1300 856 379 or via email at wrp@childcarealliance.org.au.
We're available Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm AEST.
