Western Australia’s Wageline highlights laws regarding children working at events

Ahead of the 2022 Perth Royal Show commencing on 24th September, Western Australia’s Wageline has highlighted the laws pertaining to children working at such events.

Wageline’s timely reminder is directed to all business owners, parents and young workers about children working at the Royal Show .

There are restrictions on the ages children can work in Western Australia, and these laws apply to all workplaces including retail outlets, mobile food vans, and amusement rides at the Royal Show.

Business owners and parents need to know:

• 15 years old is the youngest a child can work on an amusement ride, including selling or collecting tickets;

• 13 years old is the youngest a child can work in a retail stall, fast food outlet or café and children who are 13 or 14 must not work before 6am or after 10pm and must have written permission from a parent or guardian;

• a child is considered to be working whether they are paid or not paid for the work they do; and

• business owners can face substantial fines for employing children in breach of these laws – up to $24,000 or up to $120,000 for an incorporated employer.

There are exclusions if the child is working in a family business owned by a relative such as a parent, aunt, uncle or grandparent, or the organisation is a charity or not-for-profit organisation. Children of any age can perform as an actor, musician, or entertainer.

The When children can work in Western Australia page of the Wageline website has more information on child employment laws including a parental permission template.

Business owners also need to meet employment obligations, including providing the legally required pay rates for all employees. Visit the WA employer essentials information hub to get started on finding the right employment information.

Showbag Launch

Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australian has provided a first look of this year’s new showbags that include Minecraft, My Little Pony, Stella Athletic and a showbag celebrating Cadbury's 100-year anniversary.

The 2022 Perth Royal Show Showbag launch was held at Ronald McDonald House, Nedlands with Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australian David Thomas advising "the most expensive is the Lindt Box of Blocks showbag that costs $125 which is just one of the 147 confectionery showbags available in addition to 50 general bags, 18 hobby and 83 toy showbags.

"This year, we once again engaged Consumer Protection inspectors to review showbags to ensure all that include toys and novelty items received a tick of approval, to keep kids safe."

In addition to a preview of this year's showbags, Thomas provided a preview of new attractions at the 2022 Perth Royal Show.

These include:

• AgVenture Hill – new interactive, educational agricultural precinct which includes the return of the popular Dairy Pavilion.

• The Biggest Animal Nursery ever staged at the Show.

• The nightly drone show that precedes the Flight Centre Fireworks Spectacular.

• The Noongar Six Seasons presented by Lotterywest – walk through an immersive landscape filled with light, sound and stunning visuals

• Hair-raising rides such as the Globe of Death.

• Arena spectaculars such as Awakening Australia and Outback Australia.

• There’s a full line-up of entertainment on the Woolworths Community Stage, and for the first time ever will be a special Veteran’s Day on Thursday 29th September.

• Another first this year will include an Aboriginal Shearing Team Exhibition with shearers ranging in age from 17 to 25-years-old flying in from across the State to compete on Sunday 25th September.