Child employment regulator issues 1000 licences to help keep kids safe in the workplace

MORE THAN 1000 Victorian employers have been granted a licence to employ children under 15 since the new child employment licensing system came into place.

This milestone comes almost a year after stronger laws were introduced in Victoria to help keep kids safe in the workplace.

The new laws, administered by Wage Inspectorate Victoria and designed in consultation with stakeholders and the community, saw a licensing system replace a permit system, allowing businesses to employ multiple kids under one licence, instead of needing a permit for each child they employ.

Since the licensing system came into place, the Wage Inspectorate has granted 1000 licences for the employment of 8807 children. This represents a significant red tape reduction, as under the old system, businesses would have needed to apply for a permit for each of these 8807 children. 

Emily, who runs a media agency and employs more than 200 kids each year, said the change to the licensing system has helped her save sufficient time.

“Instead of applying for a permit for every child, we can simply add a child to our ongoing licence and the Wage Inspectorate knows the child is working in a safe environment”," Emily said.

“Not having to wait for each permit to be approved also makes it easier for us to substitute kids faster if someone is unable to work on a specific day.”

This system reduces the burden on businesses but hasn’t reduced the protection for kids. It has allowed the Wage Inspectorate to target its resources to the areas with the most risks.

Under the licence system, employers are subject to a ‘fit and proper person’ test which considers, among other things, an employer’s compliance with child employment and other relevant workplace laws.

The new laws also saw stronger powers for breaching child employment laws, with the maximum penalty for employing a child without a licence increased from $18,500 to more than $200,000.

In addition to obtaining a licence, there are other important rules employers must follow, like making sure kids are getting adequate rest breaks, finishing work by 9pm and not working during school hours.

Commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria, Robert Hortle said, “The new licensing system has saved businesses from having to apply for almost 9000 individual permits. That’s time back in their day, and we know for businesses, time is money.

“The new system has reduced the burden for businesses but not protections for kids – It has enabled us to focus on monitoring areas of high-risk rather than assessing permit for compliant employers.

“Tougher penalties show that taking advantage of children in the workplace will not be tolerated. These are serious laws with serious consequences, and the Wage Inspectorate won’t hesitate to take serious offending to court.

“It’s great to give young workers a go, but it’s important to do so safely.”

More information about child employment can be found at wageinspectorate.vic.gov.au.

 

ends