Wage Inspectorate Victoria
A company operating a Phillip Island cafe has been fined $2000 after pleading guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to employing a child below the minimum working age and without a permit.
In April 2022, Wage Inspectorate Victoria’s child employment officers observed a child working at Phillip Island cafe 3925 Espresso. A subsequent investigation found the child was 12 years and 9 months old, below the legal age for working in hospitality.
In Victoria, a child can be employed in hospitality from the age of 13 provided the employer has a child employment permit or licence.
The offence came to light as part of the Wage Inspectorate’s proactive compliance campaign targeting fast-food outlets and cafes in regional Victoria.
/Public Release.
