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Vic Govt calls for police checks, fees to protect child workers
27 Aug 2003
A Bill due to go before the Victorian Parliament this week would require farmers who allow their grandchildren, siblings or neighbours' children to help on their farms to undergo police checks and obtain permits. Grandparents would have to pay $24 for an annual permit to employ their own grandchildren or risk a $1,000 fine.
The Child Employment Bill covers any paid or unpaid farm work by a child aged 15 or under. Parents or legal guardians will be exempt from obtaining permits but can be fined $1,000 if they allow their children to be employed by someone without a permit.
The Bill states a child is employed if s/he "takes part or assists in any business, trade or occupation carried on for profit - whether or not the child receives payment or other reward for his or her participation or assistance".
The Liberal Party and Victorian Farmers' Federation have reacted negatively to the Bill but the State Government says that farms are the most dangerous workplaces in the nation.
Under existing legislation, parents are technically required to obtain a work permit for their children if they work on the farm, but the legislation has never been enforced and fines are just $100. Under the new law, the Government will appoint child employment officers with the power to enter a farm, or other business, and demand documents relating to a child's employment.
Weekly Times, 27/8/03, page 1-2.
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