Businesses could face penalties of more than $200,000 if young workers aren’t employed safely and legally
Workforce Inspectorate Victoria (WIV) will conduct a statewide inspection blitz of hospitality venues these summer school holidays to crack down on businesses breaching child employment laws.
Inspectors will visit restaurants, cafés and fast-food outlets across Victoria to check compliance with strict rules governing the employment of children under 15.
Employers found to be breaking child employment laws face penalties of more than $200,000.
Businesses hiring children under 15 must hold a valid child employment licence and comply with conditions covering:
The type of work children can perform
Supervision requirements
Maximum working hours and rest breaks
The rules differ between school terms and holidays. During school holidays, children can work up to six hours a day and 30 hours a week, but only between 6am and 9pm. They must also receive a 30‑minute rest break after every three hours of work and have at least 12 hours break between shifts.
Workers under 15 must be supervised by someone who holds a valid Victorian Working with Children Clearance, unless an exemption applies.
WIV currently has two active prosecutions before the courts relating to alleged breaches of child employment laws.
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