Child Employment Bill introduced to parliament

The SA Government has moved to strengthen the protection of children in the workforce, as the Industrial Relations Minister Bernard Finnigan introduced a Child Employment Bill to Parliament.

“The government is committed to ensuring safe, fair and productive working lives for all South Australians, including young people under the age of 18,” Finnigan said.

“The introduction of child employment laws will complement existing workplace legislation and enhance the protection of children in employment.”

Finnigan said the Bill was developed after extensive consultation with interest groups, including a youth forum.

“The Bill provides broad protections for people under 18 years of age working in South Australia,” he said.

“It enables regulations and codes of practice to be developed to supplement the Bill and provide more specific protection. These will be developed through further consultation.”

Finnigan said the Bill proposes that children must not be employed to undertake work that harms their health, safety, development or schooling, and that any breaches could incur penalties of up to $20,000.

“If adopted, SafeWork SA will conduct promotional campaigns to improve the awareness of employers, parents, guardians and children of their rights and obligations under this Act,” Finnigan said.