Charges filed for breaches of child employment laws

Wage Inspectorate Victoria

Wage Inspectorate Victoria has filed charges in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria against TJ & CJ Forder Pty Ltd, (trading as Grovedale Meats), alleging the business contravened the Child Employment Act 2003.

It is alleged the Lara based business employed a child under the age of 15 without a licence and contravened laws relating to work during school hours and maximum permitted work hours.

The maximum penalties for these offences are in excess of:

$244,000 for employment without a licence
$244,000 for employment during school hours
$20,000 for breaching maximum daily and weekly hours.

The matter has been listed for mention at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 28 August 2025.

The Wage Inspectorate will make no further comment while the matter is before the court.

Background

Victoria’s child employment laws require employers of children under 15 to have a child employment licence before any work takes place, and to comply with Child Safe Standards.

Workers under 15 must be supervised by someone who holds a valid Victorian Working with Children Clearance (unless exempt).

Child employment laws restrict when businesses can employ children and how long they can work:

during a school term, children can be employed for a maximum of 3 hours a day and 12 hours per week and cannot work during school hours
during school holidays, children can be employed up to 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week
children can only work between 6am and 9pm.

Children must also receive a 30-minute rest break after every 3 hours work and have at least 12 hours break between shifts.

For more information Victoria’s child employment laws visit the Wage Inspectorate’s website at wageinspectorate.vic.gov.au or call 1800 287 287.