Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education): Good news: as we respond to the impact of COVID-19 on our society and our economy, the Government remains committed to fair pay for lower-paid workers, especially the workers who have helped to get the country moving again. Yesterday, as part of Budget 2020, I announced that $151.1 million over the next four years will help to improve the pay of up to 17,000 qualified teachers working in education and care services. A significant pay gap has built up over time between these teachers and those working in schools and kindergartens, following a decision 10 years ago to stop passing on to education and care services the funding rate increases that kindergartens got to meet the cost of pay settlements. Now, from 1 July, the minimum salary for teachers working in education and care services will increase to $49,862, bringing it into line with kindergarten teachers' pay. We've got a way to go, but this is a very good start.