If a Victorian business wants to employ a child under 15, the safe starting point is not the roster. It is scope. Check the child's age, the type of work, whether a licence is needed, who will supervise the child and whether the work could interfere with school or safety.
Main laws
Victoria Act
Child Employment Act 2003 (Vic)
The Child Employment Act 2003 sets rules for employing children under 15 in Victoria, including licences, supervision, work conditions,...
In forceVictoriaPlain-English guide5 practical checks
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Check the linked official source before you rely on a specific section, and get advice for your situation.
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Quick read
- The Child Employment Act 2003 regulates when and how children under 15 can work in Victoria.
- For small businesses, this is a practical rostering and compliance law: before employing a child, check whether a licence is needed, whether the work is allowed, who will...
Likely relevant if
- Victorian cafes, restaurants, retailers and hospitality businesses employing workers under 15
- Entertainment, modelling, media, photography, theatre, music and promotional businesses working with children
- Family businesses where children help in the business
Check first
- Check whether the child is under 15 and whether the proposed work is allowed.
- Confirm whether the business needs a child employment licence before the child starts work.
- Make sure supervision, hours, rest breaks, school-hour restrictions and record keeping are covered.
First checks before a child starts work
Sense check
- Age of the child.
- Type of work and whether it is prohibited.
- Whether a licence is needed.
- Supervisor and Working with Children Check position.
- Hours, rest breaks and school-hour issues.
- Records the business needs to keep.
Higher-risk settings
Risk points
- Entertainment, modelling, filming, music and promotional work.
- Hospitality or retail shifts that run close to school or late hours.
- Door-to-door or sales work.
- Family businesses where everyone assumes the rules are informal.
These situations are not impossible, but they need a more careful compliance check. A simple onboarding process for adult staff is not enough.
Plain-English glossary
- Child
- For this Act, the key category is generally a person under 15 years of age.
- Child employment licence
- A licence that may be required before a business employs a child under the Act.
- Entertainment
- A broad category that can include acting, modelling, music, filming, promotional events, photography and related production work.
Common questions
Does this apply to all workers under 18?
No. The Act is focused on children under 15. Other workplace laws can still apply to older young workers, including Fair Work, safety and anti-discrimination obligations.
Do family businesses need a licence?
The Act has special rules for family businesses, but that does not mean there are no obligations. Businesses should still check supervision, work type, hours, safety and record requirements.
Is entertainment work treated differently?
Yes. Entertainment work has specific licence and code-of-practice issues, including supervision and conditions for work involving children.