Your Child Wants a Job? Here's What Australian Law Says About Kids Working

For teenagers, a holiday or weekend job is an excellent way to earn pocket money and develop valuable skills. However, given the historical and ongoing exploitation of child labour globally, Australia has strict laws to protect young workers.

Australia follows the 1973 International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention on minimum working age. Under this convention, the standard age for employment is 15 years old. But children can start work earlier, subject to additional legal protections. Even unpaid volunteer work has similar restrictions to paid employment.

What Are the Rules for Kids Under 15?

Every Australian state has specific requirements for employing workers under 15. While details vary, most principles are broadly similar.

Employers need a child employment licence to hire children under 15. There are set limits on working hours—generally up to ten hours per week—and restrictions on heavy work. Young workers under 15 can only undertake light duties. For example, in Victoria, a child cannot work on a building site or fishing boat.

Working during school hours is generally prohibited because state laws require school attendance. Legislation prioritizes ensuring children access education.

The law limits where children and teenagers can work.

Some jurisdictions have special provisions for times of day. In Western Australia, workers aged 10–12 cannot start before 6:00 AM or finish after 7:00 PM. Those aged 13–14 can finish at 10:00 PM. In Tasmania, children 11–14 aren't allowed to work between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM unless it's for charity or school. Similar laws exist in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.

What Jobs Can Kids Under 15 Do?

Despite protections, there are opportunities for children as young as 10 or 11 in delivery services or as child models.

Children aged 10–12 can work in a limited capacity delivering newspapers, pamphlets, or advertising material. Those aged 13–14 can work in retail and hospitality sectors, including cafes, restaurants, fast food, and shops.

While they can work in hospitality, young workers under 18 generally cannot serve alcohol or sell cigarettes.

Some sectors have fewer requirements. Working in a family business, charity, not-for-profit, or entertainment industry faces fewer restrictions, apart from school attendance. Parental supervision is needed in some cases, such as photographic work with children up to three years old, letterbox delivery, door-to-door sales, and charity work by kids under 12. Requirements for work outside school hours can be waived for home-schooled children.

What If a Child Is 15 or Older?

Children over 15 still face different conditions than adult workers. Those up to 18 require parental consent or a "special circumstances certificate" to be employed.

Workers under 18 are exempt from Working with Children Checks, required for roles involving close contact with children, like childcare or sports coaching.

The adult hourly wage rate starts at 21 years. Younger workers are paid a percentage of the adult rate, with wages differentiated by age.

The Exceptions to the Rules

The entertainment and advertising industries are high-profile sectors employing children but are not subject to many rules above.

Laws allow children in entertainment to "take the stage" at any age, provided schooling isn't interrupted. Children can work as actors, musicians, entertainers, or models with parental consent.

The entertainment industry requires employers to be licensed, and adult employees may need Working with Children Checks if working alongside those under 18.

Children can take to the stage at any age, but there are rules.

Parents have the right to be informed about all aspects of their child's job, including briefings about what the child will see, hear, and do. The child cannot be exposed to inappropriate content or situations causing distress or embarrassment.

Even when lawful, things can get messy. Signing kids to record deals or modelling contracts can be challenging for parents, who may not understand long-term ramifications. Consulting a lawyer for legal paperwork is advisable.

Overall, labour laws emphasize education, adequate rest, and leisure time. Any job a child gets must adhere to these standards.