How work police will crackdown on teens under 15 looking to make a buck

Victoria’s wage watchdog has warned employers and parents of teens under 15 working in summer jobs, it’ll be checking permits.

Parents can be fined up to $1800 for allowing their child under 15 to work without a permit.

Retail businesses have been put on notice ahead of the Christmas shopping rush.

Wage Inspectorate Victoria will be ensuring employers have the correct permits to allow children under the age of 15 to work in stores in the lead up to Christmas.

The campaign, which will see “boots on the ground” visiting retailers across Melbourne – aims to ensure the shopping rush and extended opening hours doesn’t lead to businesses overlooking child employment laws.

Victorian law typically requires employers to obtain a permit to employ anyone under the age of 15.

Commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria Robert Hortle said the campaign was to help minimise workplace risks.

Children under 15 planning to work over summer in Victoria will need a permit.

“Child employment officers will be among the shopping centre crowds this Christmas, monitoring compliance with child employment laws, which are in place to keep kids safe,” he said.

“All workplaces have risks, and these are magnified for young, inexperienced employees, so retailers need a permit to employ a child under 15, and to comply with rules around hours of work, rest breaks and start and finish times.

“Kids under 15 are still developing. They don’t have the stamina of adults, so it is vital they receive adequate rest breaks, have enough down time between shifts and are well supervised.

“The permit system helps ensure the employer understands the risks and puts measures in place to keep young staff safe.”

He said parents – who can be fined up to $1800 for allowing their child to work without a permit – need to be aware their children may require a permit to work.

“Parents have a role to play too. If you have a child under 15 who has just secured a summer job, make sure the employer has a child employment permit before they start work,” he added.

“It’s a simple step you can take to ensure the employer has considered your child’s health and wellbeing.”

Since 2020, the Wage Inspectorate has prosecuted six employers for breaching child employment laws.

It comes as The Riverdeck Kitchen, in the north east Victorian tourist town of Bright, was found to have breached the laws after two underage workers were operating without a permit.

The business was aware that permits were required but were spared a $15,000 fine due to the “good character of the owners” and an early guilty plea.