The Advisory Board responsible for overseeing the allocation of the $300m Early Years Quality Fund (EYQF) to be used specifically for wage increases has been announced by the Minister for Early Childhood and Youth Peter Garrett.

Mr Garrett said the seven-member Advisory Board will help deliver better outcomes for both workers and the children in their care.

"Board members represent both employee and employer organisations and will bring a variety of expertise as they advise Government on needs across the sector," he said.

Rachel Hunter – Chair, ACECQA

Samantha Page – CEO, Early Childhood Australia

Michael Crosby AM – National President, United Voice

Julia Davison – CEO, Goodstart Early Learning

Tom Hardwick – CEO, Guardian Early Learning Group

Prue Warrilow – National Convenor, Australian Community Children’s Services

Jennifer Taylor – Dept of Education Employment and Workplace Relations

Mr Garrett says the additional funding will enable child care services to offset the cost of employing more qualified staff while still maintaining quality standards and affordability for parents. The new Advisory Board will advise the government on how the funds should be allocated to eligible services.

Shadow Minister for Childcare and Early Childhood Learning Sussan Ley says the Advisory Board is an unnecessary addition to the child care landscape.

"Minister Garrett has already indicated centres will be allocated funds on a first in, best dressed basis, so why on earth would you need a panel of experts to count the number of applicants?" she said.

Ms Ley also expressed concern that there is no representative from the Australian Childcare Alliance on the board, despite the fact that they represent 70 per cent of all private long day care providers in the country.