During the summer school holidays, the Workforce Inspectorate Victoria (WIV) is ramping up inspections across the state’s hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafés and fast-food outlets, to ensure businesses are complying with Victoria’s child employment laws.
Employers who breach these laws risk hefty penalties of more than $200,000. Businesses hiring children under 15 must hold a child employment licence and adhere to strict conditions governing the type of work children can perform, supervision requirements, maximum working hours and rest breaks.
“Summer holidays are a busy time for hospitality businesses, but that doesn’t mean the rules can be overlooked,” warned Lily Dekic, deputy commissioner of the Workforce Inspectorate Victoria.
“Our inspectors will be out across Victoria to make sure children are working safely and legally.”
The crackdown follows a compliance campaign during the September school holidays, where inspectors visited 82 businesses and uncovered alleged breaches of child employment laws. Two of those investigations remain active.
“Our audits earlier this year showed that breaches do occur,” said Ms Dekic. “That’s why we are stepping up inspections this summer, to make sure children are not put at risk and businesses are held accountable.”
The Workforce Inspectorate currently has two active prosecutions relating to alleged violations of child employment laws before the courts.
“Parents, schools and communities expect that when children take on holiday jobs, they will be safe,” Ms Dekic emphasised.
“Compliance with child employment laws is how businesses meet that expectation.”
The rules differ between school terms and school holidays. During the summer break, children can work up to 6 hours per day and 30 hours per week.
For more information Victoria’s child employment laws visit the Workforce Inspectorate’s website at wiv.vic.gov.au or call 1800 287 287.
