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Young Workers

Although there are no specific child labour laws in South Australia, under section 74 of the Education and Children's Services Act 2019 (SA) it is unlawful to employ a child of compulsory education age during the hours in which they are required to attend school or participate in an approved learning program. It is also unlawful to employ a child at any time of the day or night in work that would make the child unfit to attend school or to obtain proper benefit from attending. The maximum penalty for this is $10 000.

Certain industrial awards and regulations governing some areas of employment also restrict the type of work that a person under 18 years can do, such as operating a forklift. Some industrial instruments provide for a different rate of pay for "junior'" employees. This is particularly the case in the fast food and hospitality industries.

The Fair Work Ombudsman's website has a guide for young workers outlining what young people need to know before starting work. It also has a guide for employers wanting to employ young people.

Young Workers  :  Last Revised: Tue Sep 5th 2023
The content of the Law Handbook is made available as a public service for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. See Disclaimer for details. For free and confidential legal advice in South Australia call 1300 366 424.