Author:
Wage Inspectorate
Date:
26 Mar 2021

On 1 July 2023, changes to Victoria’s child employment laws took effect. This page has not yet been updated to reflect amendments to the Child Employment Act 2003, which includes the replacement of the child employment permit system with a licensing system. The guides and information will be updated in due course.

Mandatory Code of Practice for the Employment of Children in Entertainment (2014)

This code of practice contains provisions regulating the employment of children in entertainment.

Provisions of the code

Further information

On 1 July 2023, Victoria's child employment permit system was replaced with a licensing system.

Visit www.wageinspectorate.vic.gov.au for more information and advice about:

  • the Child Employment Act 2003 (Vic)
  • applying for a Child Employment Licence.

Or contact Wage Inspectorate Victoria via telephone on 1800 287 287 or email.

Understanding the details

This section will help you to implement the requirements of the Code and includes detail on application processes for Child Employment Permits, hours, education and workplace.

On 1 July 2023, changes to Victoria’s child employment laws took effect. This page has not yet been updated to reflect amendments to the Child Employment Act 2003, which includes the replacement of the child employment permit system with a licensing system. The guides and information will be updated in due course.

Key points

  • As an employer who intends to employ a child, you are responsible for applying for a Child Employment Permit. It is unlawful to employ a child without a permit having been issued for that child and that particular job.
  • You are responsible for providing or organising supervision for the entire period of employment. Unless exempt, the employer of children must ensure that Working with Children Checks (WWC Checks) have been conducted and a Notice of Assessment issued prior to allowing a person to supervise a child less than 15 years of age.
  • You are also required to obtain written parental consent and a school exemption when relevant before work commences.
  • Employers are obliged to provide parents with a summary document explaining the Code.

The Quick Guide

This section provides a summary of the key things you need to know when employing a child in the entertainment industry.

On 1 July 2023, changes to Victoria’s child employment laws took effect. This page has not yet been updated to reflect amendments to the Child Employment Act 2003, which includes the replacement of the child employment permit system with a licensing system. The guides and information will be updated in due course.

Information for key people

Find out what you need to do to support a child working in the entertainment industry.

On 1 July 2023, changes to Victoria’s child employment laws took effect. This page has not yet been updated to reflect amendments to the Child Employment Act 2003, which includes the replacement of the child employment permit system with a licensing system. The guides and information will be updated in due course.