It always starts the same way. Pocket money doesn’t cut it anymore and your preteen or teen starts asking you for money. It’s always ‘can I borrow’ with no way to pay it back. You say no. They ask again. You sigh and throw out the classic line parents have been using since forever: “If you want money, get a job.”
And then they do the one thing you weren’t expecting … they call your bluff.
Suddenly, they want to know where they can work, how old they need to be, and whether you’ll drive them to an interview. You’re half proud, half horrified. Because now you’re wondering… can my kid even legally have a job? How many hours are they allowed to work? And did you just accidentally agree to something you know absolutely nothing about?
Before your child starts planning their working career, here’s what parents need to know about kids, part-time jobs and what the law really says.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Get a Job?
Not every teen is ready for a job. For some, a small, well-managed gig can boost confidence, teach money skills and even look good on a resumé. For others, it’s just another stressor on an already-packed plate of school, sport and social life.
Before You Say Yes, Check These Things First
- School and sleep first: Even legal hours can clash with homework, assignments and downtime. Make sure the job will not turn them into a stressed-out zombie
- Safe and age-appropriate: Babysitting, lawn mowing, retail, fast food or simple office tasks are fine. Lifting heavy items, working around alcohol, or dodgy workplaces are not
- Transport sorted: Can they get there safely and on time, or are you about to become a full-time taxi service
- Money skills: First paychecks vanish fast. Teach them about budgeting, saving and even taxes if the job requires it
- Workplace reality: Rules are one thing, culture is another. Make sure they are not entering a place with harassment, bullying or dodgy practices
- Think long-term: Is this just cash-for-time or will the job teach responsibility, teamwork and life skills
- Why are they doing it: Make sure it is for them, and they are ready for it, not just because all their friends are working
Getting these straight first will save a lot of eye-rolling, late-night texts and last-minute “I cannot do this shift” drama.
What Are the Rules for Kids Under 15?
Young workers in Australia are covered by both national and state/territory rules. To learn more about the minimum working age and general youth employment requirements, visit Fair Work.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
MINIMUM AGE: There is no set minimum working age.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Work must be safe and suitable for the child’s age
• Children under 15 can only do light work
• Work must not interfere with school attendance
MORE INFO: Visit the ACT Government Community Services or call 13 22 81.
New South Wales (NSW)
MINIMUM AGE: There is no set minimum working age.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Work must be safe and appropriate for the child’s age
• Work must not interfere with school attendance
MORE INFO: Visit the NSW Office of Industrial Relations or call 13 16 28.
Queensland (QLD)
MINIMUM AGE: 13 years old for most jobs.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Children aged 11–12 can deliver newspapers or advertising material
• Parental consent is required if the child is under 16 and still in school
• Limits apply to working hours
MORE INFO: Visit the QLD Government or call 13 74 68.
Victoria (VIC)
MINIMUM AGE: 13 years old (11 years old for newspaper delivery).
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Employers must obtain a Child Employment Permit for workers under 15
• Working hours and duties are restricted for children
MORE INFO: Visit Workforce Inspectorate Victoria or call 1800 287 287.
South Australia (SA)
MINIMUM AGE: There is no set minimum working age.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Children under 13 can generally only work in a family business or the entertainment industry
• Work must not interfere with school attendance
MORE INFO: To find out more, visit SafeWork SA or call 1300 365 255.
Western Australia (WA)
MINIMUM AGE: Generally 15 years old for most work.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Children under 13 can usually only work in a family business
• Children aged 13–14 may work limited hours in certain jobs (such as retail or delivery work)
MORE INFO: Visit the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety or call 1300 655 266 (within WA) or (08) 6251 2100 (from interstate).
Tasmania (TAS)
MINIMUM AGE: TThere is no set minimum working age.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Children under 11 can usually only work in a family business or the entertainment industry
• Work must not interfere with school
MORE INFO: Visit WorkSafe TAS or call 1300 366 322 (within Tasmania) or (03) 6166 4600 (outside Tasmania).
Northern Territory (NT)
MINIMUM AGE: There is no set minimum working age.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Work must be safe and suitable for the child’s age
• Children under 15 cannot work late at night or in dangerous jobs
MORE INFO: To find out more, visit the NT Government or call (08) 8999 5511.
What if a child is 15 or older?
Children older than 15 years are still subject to different conditions than 18-year-old or adult workers. Child workers up to the age of 18 years still require their parents’ consent or hold a right to work “special circumstances certificate” to be employed.
Workers under 18 years are exempt from holding a Working with Children Check, required when working in close contact with children, such as in child care centres and schools, or involved in sports coaching.
The adult hourly wage rate starts at 21 years. Younger workers are paid a percentage of the adult rate, so the wages of young people are differentiated by age.
Here’s The General Idea
- NO NATIONAL MINIMUM AGE. In many places, such as the ACT and NSW, there is no official minimum working age, but there are rules around hours, safety and supervision.
- UNDER 15? They can only do light work such as babysitting, gardening or running errands. Parental consent is usually required, and hours are limited.
- SCHOOL-AGED WORKERS cannot work during school hours, and there are limits on total weekly hours.
- FULL-TIME WORK is only allowed once they finish school or turn around 17, depending on the state.
Hours and Rules
The rules might make your teen groan, but they are there for a reason.
- No work during school hours
- Weekly hours are capped, especially during term time
- Younger kids get fewer hours than older teens
- Late shifts or anything that eats into sleep or downtime are off limits
These limits are not about ruining fun. They just stop your child from turning into a permanently exhausted gremlin.
If your teen is under 15, light work is the only option. Babysitting, lawn mowing, short supervised shifts in retail or fast food, simple office tasks, or helping at the family business in a limited way are all fine. Anything unsafe, heavy, or alcohol-adjacent is not.
Parental Permission
This is where you come in. Most states require parents to permit their school-aged kids to work. That means knowing exactly what hours your teen will work, what the job involves, and making sure it is safe.
Your signature is more than just paperwork. It protects everyone if something goes wrong, and yes, it even applies if they are volunteering.
Helping the family business does not get them a free pass. Laws still apply, including age limits, safety rules, and maximum hours.
Why It Matters
These rules exist because kids are still growing, learning, and need sleep. Employers can get fined if they break the rules, and parents can feel like idiots if the job affects school, health, or sanity.
A part-time job should teach responsibility, not create a stressed-out mess.
At the end of the day, part-time jobs can be a great way for kids to learn responsibility, earn money and build skills as long as the hours, safety and school commitments are all taken into account. Knowing the rules and planning carefully will help make the experience positive for both you and your teen.
What’s the Minimum Age you can Start Work?
The minimum age for working depends on the state or territory you’re working in, and applies to all workers, including those starting an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Check what age you can start work in your state or territory:
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – ACT Government Community Services on 13 22 81
- New South Wales (NSW) – NSW Office of Industrial Relations on 13 16 28
- Northern Territory (NT) – NT Government on (08) 8999 5511
- Queensland (QLD) – QLD Government on 13 74 68
- South Australia (SA) – SafeWork SA on 1300 365 255
- Tasmania (TAS) WorkSafe TAS on 1300 366 322 (within TAS) or (03) 6166 4600 (interstate)
- Victoria (VIC) – Workforce Inspectorate Victoria on 1800 287 287
- Western Australia (WA) – Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety on 1300 655 266 (within WA) or (08) 6251 2100 (interstate).
