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Starting work at a young age can be exciting, but it must follow the law. In Australia, each state and territory sets rules about when and how children can work. These rules protect health, safety and education. Knowing the legal working age helps young people, parents and employers make the right choices. This guide explains key age limits, job types and safe working hours.
The legal working age in Australia sets clear rules on when children and teens can start work. The minimum age to work varies by state but usually starts at 11 or 12 for light jobs and 15 for most paid work. Employers and young workers must follow Fair Work laws to ensure safe and fair conditions. Knowing the legal working age helps young workers balance school and part-time jobs safely.[ez-toc]
Understanding the minimum age to start work in Australia helps young people and their families follow the law. Each state and territory has its own rules, so it is important to know the local laws before you start work.
Australia does not have one set minimum work age across the country. Instead, states and territories set their own minimum age for working. Most agree that children under 13 cannot be employed except for some light work, like delivering newspapers.Here is a simple guide to minimum working ages in different parts of Australia:State or territoryMinimum age to start workNew South Wales15 years oldVictoria15 years oldQueensland13 years old (with restrictions)Western Australia15 years oldSouth Australia14 years oldTasmania15 years oldAustralian Capital Territory15 years oldNorthern Territory16 years old
The Fair Work Act 2009 covers employment rules for most workers, including young workers, but it does not set a minimum age. Instead, the Fair Work Ombudsman advises workers and employers to check local laws. Some states require special permits or limits on the number of hours worked for younger employees.
Children aged 11 or 12 may do light work in a family business or entertainment industry with supervision and permits. For example, a child can deliver newspapers or act in a TV commercial under special child employment permits.
Starting work before the minimum legal age is illegal. It can cause issues with school attendance, safety and fair pay. Employers risk fines if they hire children who are too young. Knowing the legal working age protects children’s health and safety and ensures fair treatment.If you or your child wants to start work, always check the minimum employment age in your state or territory first.
Young workers have important rights under Australian law. These rights protect them while they work and help keep them safe.Child labour laws limit the types of work minors can do. Some jobs are not allowed for children because they are unsafe or too hard. Employers must follow these rules to protect young workers.Employers also have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace. They must follow work health and safety laws and make sure young workers understand their duties. This includes giving clear instructions and supervising work when needed.Students who work while studying have special protections. They need to balance work with school hours so their education is not affected. Laws limit the number of hours students can work during school days and school holidays. These rules help young workers manage their time well.By knowing these rights and protections, young workers and students can have safer and fairer work experiences. Employers who follow these rules also reduce risks and build trust with their workers. Understanding and respecting these rights benefits everyone in the workplace.
Working during school hours has rules to keep education on track. Laws limit how many hours young workers can work while school is in session. These limits protect their learning and wellbeing.Part-time, full-time and casual jobs have different rules for young workers. Most school-aged employees do part-time work with fewer hours. Full-time work usually starts after finishing school or when they reach the legal working age.Balancing work and school takes planning. Young workers should set clear schedules to avoid missing school or getting tired. Employers and parents can help by respecting school hours and keeping work hours reasonable.Here is a simple weekly schedule showing legal work hours for school-aged employees:DayMax hours on school daysMax hours on non-school daysMonday to FridayUp to 3 hoursUp to 8 hoursSaturdayNot limitedNot limitedSundayNot limitedNot limitedUsing tools like digital timesheets and e-signatures makes it easier to track hours and keep work agreements clear. These tools help young workers and employers stay organised and follow the law.By following the rules and using the right tools, young workers can enjoy part-time work without hurting their school performance.
Young workers can do many safe and suitable jobs across different industries. Common roles include retail, hospitality and light delivery work. These jobs often offer part-time hours that fit around school.Some work types have rules to keep young workers safe. Hazardous tasks like using heavy machinery or working night shifts are not allowed. These restrictions help protect health and safety.The entertainment industry has special rules for young workers. For example, children acting in TV shows or films need special child employment permits. These permits limit working hours and ensure supervision on set. This keeps the child safe and follows child labour laws.By knowing which jobs are permitted and following safety rules, young workers can gain valuable experience. Employers who respect these laws build trust and create safer workplaces.
Different states in Australia have their own rules about the legal working age and child labour. New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia (WA) have some key differences that young workers and employers should know.
In NSW, the minimum legal age to start work is generally 15 years. However, children aged 11 or 12 can do light work such as delivering newspapers or advertising material with parental consent. NSW also requires special child employment permits for younger children working in certain industries, like entertainment.Western Australia sets the minimum age to start work at 15 years as well. However, WA has stricter rules around work during school hours and limits on working times for minors. WA also requires a permit if a child under 15 wants to work in the entertainment industry or certain other jobs.
Both NSW and WA require special child employment permits for workers under 15 years in many cases. These permits set limits on hours worked and ensure the work is safe and appropriate. The permits also help protect school attendance and wellbeing.Employers must check if a permit is needed before hiring young workers. They must also follow work health and safety rules and limit working hours during school days.
These laws protect young workers by limiting working hours during school days and school holidays. Employers need to be aware of the rules to avoid fines and keep their workplace safe. Young workers can balance school and work better with clear limits.
For more details, visit the official websites:
These resources provide guides and forms for child employment permits and explain legal obligations for employers and young workers.
Moving from part-time to full-time work brings new rules and responsibilities for young workers. It is important to understand legal requirements and prepare properly for this change.
Young workers usually start full-time work after reaching 18 years of age, the legal age for full-time roles in most cases. Before this, part-time or casual jobs with limited hours are common.When switching to full-time work, the employer must provide a clear employment contract. This contract should outline job duties, hours of work, pay rates and any leave entitlements. Young workers should read the contract carefully and ask questions before signing.
Full-time work comes with more rules on hours, breaks and workplace safety. Employers and workers must follow work health and safety laws and Fair Work Ombudsman regulations. These laws protect young workers from unsafe conditions and unfair treatment.
Using digital tools can make managing employment contracts and documents easier. Digital signatures help speed up the signing process and reduce errors. Secure online storage keeps contracts safe and easy to find when needed.These tools also help employers track compliance with hours of work and other legal requirements. A smooth document workflow benefits both workers and employers by reducing paperwork and saving time.By understanding legal rules and using the right tools, young workers can make a smooth transition from part-time to full-time work. This helps them build their career with confidence and stay protected.
Yes, a child aged 13 can start light work such as delivering newspapers, retail tasks or simple hospitality duties. They must be supervised by an adult and follow all restrictions for work. The work must meet safe working conditions and not involve dangerous tools or late hours. In some states, a permit may be required.
A parent or guardian should check the job follows all laws and safety rules. They must ensure the child is not asked to work more hours than allowed and is treated fairly. The child must be at least the minimum age for employment. Parents should confirm if a work permit is needed and that the employer is covered by the Fair Work system.
The minimum age of employment depends on the state or territory. In most cases, it is 13 or 14 years old for light work. For delivery jobs like newspapers, the child must be at least 11 years old. For most standard jobs, the child must be at least 15. All work must follow occupational health and safety rules.
A minor can work a maximum of 3 hours per day on a school day. They cannot work during school hours. These limits are in place to ensure education stays a top priority.
Yes, on non-school days, a child can work up to 8 hours per day. During school holidays, they can work up to 40 hours a week. However, they cannot work before 6am or after 10pm. These limits help protect young workers from fatigue.
A young person must be at least 18 to serve alcohol in most states. Some states allow 17-year-olds to serve alcohol if they are supervised by an adult and have completed RSA training. A child cannot work in roles where serving alcohol is the main duty.
The age for paid work in most jobs is 15. Children aged 13 or 14 can only do light work with limits. Employers must pay at least the minimum wage and follow rules on working conditions. Jobs must also follow restrictions for work involving risk or long hours.
Yes, a child can work for a family business owned by their parents. However, the child must still follow all age requirements and workplace rules. They cannot work during school hours unless given permission through a formal process.
A child can start an apprenticeship once they reach the minimum school leaving age, which is usually 15 or 16. The apprenticeship must follow proper rules, provide training and have a signed contract.
Children can work a maximum of 3 hours on a school day and 8 hours on a non-school day. They can work up to 40 hours a week during school holidays. These rules help protect education and wellbeing while allowing work experience.
Understanding the legal working age helps young workers and employers stay safe and follow the law. Knowing the minimum age and work restrictions avoids fines and keeps workplaces fair.Compliance benefits employees by protecting their rights and health. It helps employers reduce risks and run their business smoothly.Business Kitz makes it easier to handle work documents. Our platform supports secure digital signing and safe storage. This streamlines compliance and speeds up paperwork.Young workers and employers can rely on Business Kitz to keep records clear and up to date. Using our tools means less hassle and more focus on what matters — doing the job well.Start managing your work documents with Business Kitz today and stay compliant from day one. Try it for free here.
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