Tyrrell calls for 13-year-olds to be allowed to get jobs following child labour charges in region

By Max Stainkamph

May 26, 2023

Seeing the positives: State Member for Northern Victoria Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell is calling for the employment age to be lowered to 13. Photo by Megan Fisher

State Member for Northern Victoria Rikki-Lee Tyrrell has called for the Victorian Government to allow 13-year-olds to work following businesses across the region being charged with abuse of child labour laws.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Cold Rock Shepparton was whacked with 124 charges relating to child employment laws, and was one of several businesses across the region hit with similar charges.

Since the start of 2022, 10 businesses across the state have been prosecuted for alleged breaches of Victoria’s child employment laws.

When asked about the trend, Invergordon-based Ms Tyrrell said it would be a “win-win” for both 13-year-olds and businesses to lower the limit on working ages.

“Not all young people have the option to work on a family farm, or in a family business like I did,” Ms Tyrrell said.

“There are clearly teenagers from this demographic that would love to make a few extra dollars in their spare time and a multitude of employers who could utilise them.

“So long as we ensure safeguards, like restricting maximum hours to avoid abuse, ensuring working-with-children checks and training are conducted, I see no reason why we can’t lower the age bracket to 13 years old.”

Ms Tyrrell said she did not condone the alleged breaches of laws that saw the businesses charged, but she said children could learn “vital skill-sets” on the job, which they couldn’t learn through the school curriculum.

“(Working) instils sound work ethics, a sense of purpose, encourages cohesive, professional relationships and a basic understanding of business and economics through financial incentive,” she said.