Surf Coast businesses warned after employment compliance blitz

A COMPLIANCE blitz by Wage Inspectorate Victoria has uncovered widespread breaches of employment laws among Surf Coast businesses.

Inspections from Torquay to Lorne revealed 89 per cent of businesses employing children under 15 were violating at least one aspect of the law.

Commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria, Robert Hortle said there was a need for ongoing education and compliance monitoring.

“Our intelligence suggested surf coast businesses may not be complying with child employment laws, so we expected to find breaches, but it’s concerning that most businesses employing kids were breaching the law in one way or another.

“It shows the need for ongoing education and compliance monitoring.”

The inspections identified that 56 per cent of businesses were employing children without the necessary licence, while 33 per cent, although licensed, were not adhering to rules regarding supervision, work hours, and rest breaks.

About 550 alleged offences against the Child Employment Act 2003 were recorded, predominantly involving children working outside allowable hours or not receiving adequate breaks.

“Some businesses were unaware they needed a child employment licence, some had overlooked licence conditions, while others were unaware they could employ kids under 15 and were pleased to learn more about how they could do so safely and legally,” Mr Hortle said.

“We saw a sharp increase in Surf Coast businesses applying for child employment licences, so the campaign clearly raised awareness of these important laws and businesses are keen to comply.”

Following the investigation, all businesses without a licence subsequently applied for one, and formal warnings were issued considering the cooperation and compliance efforts of the businesses involved.

“The Wage Inspectorate is here to help businesses hire kids under 15 safely and legally because it can be a positive experience for both the child and business. We’d much rather help businesses comply and keep kids safe than take matters to court,” Mr Hortle said.

Wage Inspectorate officers used the opportunity to educate employers about their legal obligations concerning child employment.

Victoria’s child employment laws mandate that employers of children under 15 must have a child employment licence, ensure supervision by an adult with a valid Victorian Working with Children Clearance, and adhere to specific work hours and rest break requirements.