Our front page tomorrow will have a story based on this media release from the Western Australian Department of Consumer and Employment Protection.
In summary, three Kalgoorlie fast food outlets have been slugged heavy fines for illegally employing children aged under 15.
Regulations state that children under 15 can’t work shifts before 6am or after 10pm and a letter of consent must be provided by a parent for work within the allowed hours.
Given the reality of the labor market here, some businesses won’t be able to open if they can’t employ children. I think it’s fair enough that kids shouldn’t work past 10pm but the 6am earliest start is too restrictive.
There will be some debate about whether the regulations are necessary at all. One thing for certain though is that businesses will now be more likely to comply with the law given the magnitude of the fines (up to $65,000 for Hungry Jacks).
