With written permission from a parent, a child aged 13 or 14 years can work in a:
- shop;
- retail outlet; or
- restaurant (including a fast food or takeaway food business).
An employer must not employ a child aged 13 or 14 years without the written consent of a parent of the child. An employer must get written permission before the child’s employment commences by:
- providing this form to a parent of the child for completion; or
- obtaining a parent’s written permission in some other form.
A parent is a person who has responsibility for the long-term or the day-to-day care, welfare and development of the child.
The penalty for contravening this requirement is a fine of up to $24,000 or $120,000 for a corporation.
Written parental permission does not need to be obtained if a child under the age of 15 years is working in a family business owned by a relative such as a parent, aunt, uncle or grandparent.
