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Frustrated childcare workers who say they are overworked and underpaid are calling for an immediate 25 per cent wage rise to help fix problems of high turnover in the industry.

Experts say low pay, sub-par working conditions and inadequate government funding have led to staffing shortages across the sector as childcare centres struggle to keep up with growing demand.

An estimated 30 to 48 per cent of educators leave the sector each year, a rate that is double the national turnover average, according to a federal budget submission by the United Workers Union (UWU).

UWU early education director Helen Gibbons said it was difficult to retain workers in the industry, particularly as the cost of living increased.

"Low pay and high stress mean the best and brightest educators are leaving the sector in droves," she said.

"Educators are barely able to survive on the wages they are paid amid soaring cost-of-living increases. As a result, turnover is going through the roof and workloads are unacceptably high."

In a pre-budget submission, the union called for the federal government to allocate funding for an up-front and immediate 25 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators "in recognition of the historical under-valuation of care work".

The lobbying push follows a 15 per cent pay increase for aged-care workers approved by the Fair Work Commission in October.

Debbie, a centre director with Clovelly Child Care Centre in Sydney's east, said high turnover in the childcare sector meant some families were missing out.

"The strongest impact is that families who are trying to find a place for their children are finding it difficult," she said.

"It's a disgrace that educators who are trained professionals are getting the lowest wages - some are only earning $26 an hour."

A spokesperson for Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke said childcare workers deserve to be paid fairly.

"This Government understands the importance of getting wages moving - particularly in low-paid, female-dominated sectors, like early childhood education and care. That's exactly why we passed the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill last year," the spokesperson said.

"Early childhood educators do such important and highly skilled work. It's crucial that is properly valued and recognised."

© AAP 2023

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Cardinal George Pell has been remembered as a hero, a scapegoat and the son of a publican who rose to become the most senior and influential Australian in the Catholic Church.

Thousands of mourners and religious leaders from around the world packed Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral on Thursday for the controversial figure's requiem mass.

Others gathered to watch on screens outside, while crowds of protesters assembled across the road to demonstrate against the commemoration.

The 81-year-old former Catholic archbishop of Melbourne and Sydney died in Rome last month and was buried in the cathedral's crypt, alongside seven other former archbishops.

Sydney Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher celebrated the final mass for his friend, describing him as the son of a Ballarat publican, who spent 56 years as a priest and rose to become the third most powerful man in the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Pell was a bold and brave advocate for the Catholic Church who brought World Youth Day and Pope Benedict XVI to Australia in 2008 but "remained very much an Australian until the end", Archbishop Fisher told the congregation.

He said the "giant of a man" had a big heart and when he was ordained at St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican he adopted and lived by the motto "Be not afraid", eventually serving under three popes.

Archbishop Fisher addressed the elephant in the cathedral early in the service, referring to the 404 days the cardinal spent in jail after being convicted of molesting two teenage choirboys in 1996. The convictions were later quashed.

"Even after he was unanimously exonerated by the High Court, some continued to demonise him," Archbishop Fisher said.

"But many appreciate the legacy of this most influential churchman in our nation's history."

In a eulogy for his brother, David Pell denounced the child sexual abuse allegations as a "relentless campaign to smear George's life".

"We implore you to rid yourselves of the woke algorithms of mistruths, half truths and outright lies that are being perpetrated," he said.

Police riot squad units remained outside the cathedral to ensure safe distance between mourners and the protesters who marched past the building's forecourt during the service chanting "George Pell go to hell".

Vatican ambassador to Australia Charles Balvo read a message from Pope Francis, thanking his "faithful servant" for his work reforming the church's finances.

As Vatican treasurer, Cardinal Pell had diligently implemented "economic reform for which he laid the foundations with determination and wisdom", he said.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, former prime ministers John Howard and Tony Abbott, media personality Alan Jones and divisive politicians Mark Latham and Matt Canavan were among those attending.

Mr Abbott also spoke about his friend, calling the cardinal a "great hero" who was made a scapegoat and equating his time in prison to "a modern-day crucifixion".

"George Pell was the greatest man I've ever known," he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Opposition Leader Chris Minns were notable absentees.

An 11th hour compromise was reached on Wednesday to allow a protest organised by LGBTQI group Community Action for Rainbow Rights.

"We're not here to cause trouble, we're here to bring attention to the abuse, that's all," protester Max Elbourne told AAP.

Thousands of colourful ribbons attached to the cathedral's gates in memory of those who suffered sexual abuse by clergy were removed overnight.

Tensions flared briefly when some mourners tried to take down others tied to a small area of cathedral fence where the church had allowed them to be displayed.

Cardinal Pell's conservative stance on gay marriage and abortion were the subject of criticism throughout his life. He also faced allegations of covering up child abuse.

© AAP 2023

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Queensland is forecast to reach a record peak in energy demand amid heatwave conditions, as residents are reassured the lights and air conditioning will stay on.

Large parts of the state have been enduring a combination of high temperatures and high humidity for several days, with conditions expected to persist into the weekend.

The city of Ipswich, west of Brisbane, is expecting highs of 37 and 36 degrees on Friday and Saturday respectively, with minimum temperatures in the low 20s.

The Australian Energy Market Operator is forecasting a new record peak on Friday afternoon of about 10,400 megawatts of electricity demand, Queensland Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said.

"That exceeds significantly the records that were set last year," he said on Thursday.

"Queensland's previous maximum demand was 10,085 megawatts, and we're expecting over 200 megawatts extra demand tomorrow."

Scenario planning has been conducted to prepare for the situation expected on Friday.

"I'm advised that we have enough supply to make sure the lights stay on," Mr de Brenni said.

Queenslanders are being advised to stay inside when possible and prioritise hydration.

"If you have to go outside ... try and avoid the hottest part of the day," Queensland Ambulance clinical director Tony Hucker said.

"Avoid alcohol. That's the worst thing you can do as far as trying to hydrate yourself."

Meanwhile, the state has begun rolling out a series of batteries in communities around Ipswich designed to store excess rooftop solar energy.

An initial 35 batteries with capacities ranging from 60 to 180 kilowatts are expected to support "several hundred" homes in the area.

The state will aim to deploy more neighbourhood batteries in areas with a high uptake of rooftop solar, Mr de Brenni said.

© AAP 2023

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Olivia Newton-John will be honoured in a state memorial following her death from breast cancer at age 73.

The Grease star will be remembered at a free, ticketed service to be held on Sunday, February 26, featuring tributes from family and friends.

The event at Hamer Hall, at Arts Centre Melbourne, will include a performance from singer Delta Goodrem, who played Newton-John in a 2018 miniseries.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews hailed Newton-John as a hero for her contributions to the arts, philanthropy and raising cancer awareness.

"Dame Olivia Newton-John was an inspiration to many around the world,'' he said.

"Her work in cancer research and treatment saved lives and changed lives, and her music was the soundtrack to a generation.

"We know Victorians are eager to celebrate the life of a driving force in medical research and an icon of film and music, with a service befitting her international acclaim."

Newton-John, best known for playing Sandy in the 1978 hit film Grease opposite John Travolta, died on August 8 at her Ranch in southern California.

She battled breast cancer three times after first being diagnosed in 1992 and underwent chemotherapy, a mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery.

Her health battle ultimately led her to establish the Olivia Newton-John Foundation to fund cancer research.

She also founded the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, which supports people living with the disease.

She is survived by her husband John Easterling and only daughter Chloe Lattanzi.

© AAP 2023