Legal age to work full time in Australia: rules for young workers and employer responsibilities

When hiring young workers, It is essential for employers to understand the legal age to work full time in their state or territory and comply with relevant employment legislation and Fair Work regulations. Some roles and industries have specific age requirements or require parent’s written permission before hiring young workers.[ez-toc]

A quick guide to the legal age to work full time

The legal age to work full time in Australia varies by state and territory. Most young workers can start full-time jobs at 16 or 17 years old, but some may qualify earlier through apprenticeships or traineeships. Employers must follow Fair Work regulations, ensure safe conditions and meet child employment laws. This guide explains the rules and restrictions for employers hiring young people for full-time roles.

What is considered full-time work for young workers?

Full-time work means working a set number of hours each week. In Australia, this is usually 38 hours per week. Full-time workers get benefits like paid leave and job security. Young workers must meet certain conditions before taking on a full-time role. Business Kitz full-time contract template can help you get started.

Differences between part-time, casual and full-time work

Young workers can be part-time, casual or full-time employees. Each type has different conditions:

• Full-time employment
  • Works 38 hours per week (or as per the award).
  • Entitled to paid leave (annual, sick and long service leave).
  • Receives consistent work and wages.
• Part-time employment
  • Works less than 38 hours per week on a regular basis.
  • Gets pro-rata leave entitlements.
  • More job security than casual work.
• Casual employment
  • Hours change from week to week.
  • No leave entitlements but receives a higher hourly pay rate.
  • Can accept or decline shifts.

Business Kitz offers casual, part-time and full-time employment agreement templates via our Document Library.Sign up today!

Industry restrictions for hiring young workers

Different age limits and specific restrictions may apply when hiring young workers in certain industries. Some jobs require workers to be a certain age for safety reasons.

• Hazardous industries: Young workers cannot work in certain roles, such as mining or heavy construction.
• Night shifts: Many states limit work between 10pm and 6am.
• Delivery work: Some states require young delivery workers to be at least 11 years old.
• Entertainment industry: Some states allow children under 15 to work in entertainment with their parent’s written permission.

Minimum full-time working ages across Australia

The minimum age for employment in a full-time job differs across states and territories.State/TerritoryMinimum full-time working ageQueensland16 years old (or 15 years old with approval)New South Wales17 years old (or completed Year 10)Victoria17 years old (or 16 years old with conditions)Western Australia16 years old (or 15 years old for apprenticeships)South Australia17 years old (or 16 years old with conditions)Tasmania17 years old (or completed Year 10)Australian Capital Territory17 years old (or completed Year 10)Northern Territory17 years old (or completed Year 10)Minimum age requirements may vary if engaging a young worker for an apprenticeship or traineeship. Employers should always seek advice from a legal professional if unsure.

Federal and state laws on the minimum working age

Australia has both federal and state laws that regulate the minimum working age. These laws protect young workers and set rules for employment. Employers must follow both national and state-based rules to stay compliant.

How federal laws regulate the working age

The Fair Work Act applies across Australia. It sets minimum wages, working hours and entitlements for all workers, including young employees. The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces these rules and provides guidance on workplace rights.Federal law does not set a minimum age for employment, but states and territories do. This means the minimum legal working age can vary depending on location and industry.

State and territory employment laws

Each state or territory has its own child employment laws. These laws control:

• The minimum age for employment in different industries.
• Work restrictions for young workers, such as banned jobs or limited working hours.
• Requirements for parental consent in certain jobs.
• Rules on work during school hours and school-leaving age.

Employers must check local child employment regulations to ensure compliance.

Protections for young workers

Young workers have rights under Fair Work laws. These include:

• Fair pay: They must receive at least the minimum wage for their age and job.
• Safe conditions: Work must not be harmful to their health or well-being.
• Limited working hours: Children under 15 have stricter limits to protect their education.
• Supervision: In some cases, a young worker must be supervised by an employer or another responsible adult.

Parental consent and employer responsibilities

Some jobs require parent or guardian consent before a child can start work. This applies to roles in the entertainment industry, delivery work and other industries. In some states, an employer must get written permission before hiring a young worker.Employers must also:

• Follow Fair Work regulations and local child employment laws.
• Ensure work is safe and suitable for a young worker.
• Provide proper training and supervision.

Before hiring a young worker, businesses should check state laws and consult a workplace relations professional if needed.

A state-by-state breakdown of full-time working age laws

Each state and territory in Australia sets its own minimum working age laws. These laws cover when a child can start full-time work, industry restrictions and employer responsibilities. The following breakdown is not an exhaustive list and employers should engage employment specialists to be sure of their hiring obligations.

Western Australia

• The minimum legal working age is 15 years old for most jobs.
• Children under 15 can work in limited roles like simple delivery roles or working in a family business.
• Full-time work is allowed after completing Year 10 or turning 16 years old.
• Employers must be supervised when hiring young workers.

Queensland

• The minimum age for employment in a full-time role is 16 years old.
• Children may work full-time at 15 years old if they have completed Year 10.
• Work in industries like construction, manufacturing and delivery work is restricted.
• Parent’s written permission is required for certain jobs.
• Young workers cannot work between 10pm and 6am in some industries.

Tasmania

• The age at which you can start full-time work is 17 years old.
• Young workers can leave school and work full-time at 16 years old if they have completed Year 10.
• Some jobs in retail, hospitality, and apprenticeships allow part-time or casual work for those aged 13 or 14 years old.
• Employees must be at least 11 years old for delivery jobs but are not permitted to work full-time.

New South Wales

• The minimum age for full-time work is 17 years old.
• Young workers can leave school at 16 years old if they start an apprenticeship or traineeship.
• The entertainment industry has different rules. A child can work with written permission from a parent or guardian.
• Employers must ensure jobs are not harmful to their health.

Australian Capital Territory

• The minimum legal working age for full-time work is 17 years old.
• Students must stay in school until they complete Year 10.
• Young workers can do full-time apprenticeship or traineeship programs at 15 years old.
• Work during school hours is restricted unless it is part of an approved training program.

Victoria

• Young workers must be at least 17 years old in order to work full-time.
• Students must complete Year 10 and participate in full-time education, training, or employment until 17 years of age.
• Casual or part-time delivery jobs are permitted from 11 years old.
• Some jobs permit the casual or part-time employment of workers from 13 years old if the work is is considered 'light work'.

Northern Territory

• The age you can start employing young workers full-time is when they reach 17 years old.
• Children must complete Year 10.
• Some jobs allow children under 17 years of age to work in casual or part-time roles with parental permission.

South Australia

• The minimum legal working age for children to work in a full-time role is 17 years old.
• Children can work full-time at 17 years old if they have completed year 10.
• Some exceptions apply which allow for school-aged children under 17 years old to start work in casual or part-time toles.

Employers must follow Fair Work regulations and child employment laws in their area of work. Breaking these laws can lead to fines and penalties. Employers should check their local rules before hiring young workers for an apprenticeship or full-time job.

Work experience and pathways to full-time employment

Work experience helps young people develop skills and prepare for full-time jobs. It gives them real-world knowledge and improves their chances of getting hired. Many students complete work experience while still in school. Others take part in programs like apprenticeships or traineeships to enter the workforce sooner.

How work experience helps young people

Work experience allows young people to:

• Learn practical skills in a real work environment.
• Understand workplace rules, safety and working hours.
• Build confidence in supervised roles.
• Gain industry connections that may lead to full-time work.

Legal considerations for work experience

Work experience programs must follow child employment laws. Rules depend on the state or territory and the area of work. Key legal points include:

• Some placements are unpaid and must be part of a school or training program.
• Paid placements must meet minimum age and wage rules under Fair Work regulations.
• A child employment regulation may require written permission from a parent or guardian.
• Young people in delivery work, apprenticeships or modelling have different rules.

Pathways to full-time employment

Common pathways to full-time work include:

• Retail and hospitality: A young worker starts as a casual employee and moves into a full-time role.
• Trades and apprenticeships: A student completes work experience and then begins an apprenticeship or traineeship.
• Family business: A young worker starts work in a family business, learns skills and later takes on a full-time role.
• Professional fields: A student does a work experience placement and then secures an entry-level job after finishing school.

A legal professional can help employers understand their obligations and the entitlements of young workers.

Employer obligations for hiring minors full-time

Employers must follow strict rules when hiring young workers. These rules cover workplace safety, fair pay and legal compliance. Breaking these laws can lead to penalties, fines and reputational damage.

Workplace safety and fair pay

Employers must provide a safe work environment that does not put young workers at risk. This includes:

• Ensuring jobs are not harmful to their health.
• Providing proper training and supervision.
• Following industry rules for working hours and conditions.

Fair pay is also essential. Employers must pay at least the minimum wage based on the worker’s age and job type. Pay rates are set by Fair Work and vary depending on whether the worker is part-time, casual or full-time.

Legal considerations for hiring underage workers

Employers must follow child employment laws set by their state or territory. Key legal points include:

• The minimum age for employment differs by industry and location.
• Some roles require a parent’s written permission before a child can work.
• Jobs in the entertainment industry, delivery work and trades may have extra rules.
• Young workers must be supervised in some industries.

Employers should check if their industry has restrictions on work during school hours or night shifts.

How Business Kitz helps with compliance

Employers must be aware of their legal duties. Business Kitz makes compliance easier with:

• Employment contract templates drafted by top-tier solicitors.
• Customisable templates for hiring young workers available in our Document Library.
• Simplified contract signing process via our Document Signing feature.

Employers should always check state laws and seek advice from a workplace relations professional if unsure.

Frequently asked questions about the legal age to work full time

What is the minimum age to start work in Western Australia?

The minimum age to work in Western Australia is 13 years for light work like shop assistant roles. Children working in a family business can start working at any age. Some jobs in umpire or modelling allow younger workers with approval.

What are the age requirements for full-time work in Queensland?

Young workers in Queensland can start full-time jobs at 16 years old or age 15 if they have completed Year 10. The employment of children under this age is limited unless they are in an apprenticeship or traineeship.

At what age can a child start full-time work in Tasmania?

In Tasmania, young workers can start full-time work at 17 years old or 16 years old if they have completed Year 10. Younger children can take on part-time jobs in some industries, such as retail or hospitality.

What is the minimum age to work in New South Wales?

In New South Wales, the minimum age for full-time work is 17 years old. Children working in the entertainment industry can start earlier with approval. The minimum age may vary depending on the industry.

Can young workers in the Australian Capital Territory work during school hours?

Young workers in the Australian Capital Territory cannot work during school hours unless they are in an approved apprenticeship or traineeship. They can start employment at 15 years old, but full-time work is only allowed after they have completed Year 12 or reach 17 years old.

Can a child start working at any age in Australia?

No. While family businesses that employ their child to work may have fewer restrictions, most industries require young workers to meet a minimum age. In many cases, they must be 15 to work without restrictions.

How can I get more employment information about hiring young workers?

For more details on legal working ages and compliance, contact an employment law legal professional or speak with Fair Work.

Final thoughts

Employers must meet minimum legal working age rules before hiring young workers in full-time jobs. Each state and territory has different age requirements and restrictions on work during school hours. Employers should check wage rates under Fair Work to meet their entitlements or obligations, follow child employment laws and ensure safe work conditions. Understanding these laws helps protect businesses from fines.Business Kitz makes compliance simple. Our legally approved employment contracts and templates help businesses follow Fair Work rules. Sign up for a free account today!Disclaimer: This content is intended to be used for educational and informational purposes only. Business Kitz does not offer legal advice and cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or suitability of its website content for a particular purpose. We encourage you to seek professional advice from a licensed professional and verify statements before relying on them. We are not responsible for any legal actions or decisions made based on the information provided on our website.Unless expressly stated otherwise, all content, materials, text, images, videos and other media on this website and its contents are the property of their respective copyright owners.