Workplace Rights for Teenage Workers in Australia

Maximum Working Hours by Age

There are limits on how many hours young workers can do, especially during school term. These rules exist to protect your education and wellbeing. The exact limits vary by state, but here are the general guidelines.

If You're Under 15

Most states have strict limits for workers under 15. You generally cannot work during school hours, and your total hours are limited. Many employers won't hire anyone under 14 or 15, which is why part-time jobs often list this as the minimum age.

If You're 15 to 17

Once you turn 15, the restrictions ease up a bit, but there are still protections in place. You can work more hours, but your employer still needs to make sure you're not working so much that it affects your school or health.

Remember, these are general guidelines. Your award, enterprise agreement, or state laws might have different specific rules. If you're unsure about your situation, ask your employer or check with Fair Work.

Break Entitlements

You're entitled to breaks during your shift. These aren't optional extras your boss can skip when it's busy. They're legal requirements. Here's what you should be getting.

Meal Breaks

If you work more than 5 hours, you're entitled to an unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes. This means you can sit down, eat, and take a proper rest. During this time, you're not on the clock, so you should be free to do what you want, whether that's eating, checking your phone, or going outside.

Some awards and agreements offer better breaks than this minimum. For example, the Fast Food Industry Award gives you a 30-minute break if you work more than 4 hours. Check your specific award to know your exact entitlements.

Rest Breaks

On top of meal breaks, many awards give you short paid rest breaks, sometimes called tea breaks or smoko. These are usually 10-15 minutes and are paid time. You might get one or two of these during a longer shift.

What If Your Boss Doesn't Give You Breaks?

If you're regularly being denied breaks, that's a problem. First, politely remind your manager that you're entitled to a break. If that doesn't work, keep a record of shifts where you didn't get breaks and contact Fair Work for advice.

Work Restrictions for Under-18s

There are certain types of work that young people are not allowed to do, or can only do under supervision. These restrictions exist to protect you from dangerous situations.

Jobs You Cannot Do (or Have Restrictions)

• Serving alcohol - You must be 18+ to serve alcohol in most states. If you work at a venue that serves alcohol, you'll be assigned to other duties like food service or cleaning.
• Operating heavy machinery - Forklifts, industrial equipment, and dangerous machinery are off-limits or require special training and supervision.
• Working at heights - Jobs involving ladders above a certain height or scaffolding may be restricted.
• Handling hazardous chemicals - You may need specific training or supervision before handling cleaning chemicals or other hazardous substances.
• Working alone at night - Many employers won't roster young workers alone during late-night shifts for safety reasons.

Licences and Certifications

Some jobs require specific licences that have age requirements:

If your employer asks you to do something that requires a licence or certification you don't have, let them know. They should either provide training or assign you to different duties.

Workplace Safety: Know the Rules

Every workplace has safety rules. Your employer is legally required to provide a safe working environment and proper training. Here's what you need to know about staying safe on the job.

What Your Employer Must Provide

• Training - Before you start any task, you should receive proper training on how to do it safely. This includes using equipment, handling products, and emergency procedures.
• Safety equipment - If your job requires protective gear (like non-slip shoes, gloves, or safety glasses), your employer must provide it or pay for it.
• Safe equipment - All machinery and equipment should be maintained and safe to use. If something is broken or seems dangerous, report it.
• Clear procedures - There should be clear instructions for what to do in an emergency, including where fire exits are and who to contact if there's an incident.

Spotting Unsafe Conditions

As a new worker, you might not immediately know what's safe and what's not. Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Being asked to do something without proper training
• Broken or faulty equipment that hasn't been fixed
• Wet floors or cluttered walkways without warning signs
• Being rushed to skip safety steps when it's busy
• Not having the right protective equipment for a task
• Being asked to work alone in situations that feel unsafe
• Pressure to ignore safety rules to work faster

Your Right to Refuse Unsafe Work

This is important: you have the legal right to refuse work that you reasonably believe puts your health or safety at risk. This is called a "cease work" right. If you refuse unsafe work, your employer cannot fire you, cut your hours, or punish you in any way.

If you need to refuse a task, stay calm and explain your concerns to your supervisor. Ask for the issue to be fixed before you continue. If they pressure you anyway, document what happened and contact Safe Work Australia or your state's work health and safety regulator.

How to Report Problems

If something's not right at work, whether it's a safety issue, missing pay, or being treated unfairly, you don't have to just put up with it. There are steps you can take to fix the problem.

Step 1: Talk to Your Employer First

Many problems can be sorted out by talking to your manager or supervisor. They might not even realise there's an issue. Be polite but clear about what's wrong. For example, "I noticed I wasn't given my meal break on Saturday. Can we make sure I get my breaks next shift?"

Keep a record of these conversations. Write down when you talked to them, what you said, and what they said in response. If the issue continues, you'll have documentation.

Step 2: Contact Fair Work Australia

If talking to your employer doesn't work, or if you're not comfortable raising the issue directly, Fair Work Australia is your next step. They're the government body that helps workers understand their rights and resolve workplace issues.

Fair Work can help with issues like unpaid wages, missing breaks, unfair dismissal, bullying, and discrimination. Their service is free and confidential. You can ask questions anonymously if you're worried about your employer finding out.

Step 3: Report Safety Issues to Safe Work Australia

For serious safety concerns, contact your state's work health and safety regulator. These include:

• SafeWork NSW (New South Wales)
• WorkSafe Victoria
• Worksafe Queensland
• SafeWork SA (South Australia)
• WorkSafe WA (Western Australia)
• WorkSafe Tasmania
• NT WorkSafe (Northern Territory)
• WorkSafe ACT (Australian Capital Territory)

These agencies have the power to inspect workplaces and force employers to fix safety problems. In serious cases, they can fine employers or even shut down unsafe workplaces.

Know Your Pay Rights

As a young worker, you're entitled to fair pay for your work. Australia has junior pay rates based on age, but these are still legal minimum wages that your employer must follow.

Junior Pay Rates

Most awards have junior rates, which are a percentage of the adult rate based on your age. These rates increase each year as you get older. Check the Fair Work Pay Calculator to find out exactly what you should be earning for your specific job.

Penalty Rates

You should get extra pay for working at certain times:

• Weekends - Saturday and Sunday often attract penalty rates
• Public holidays - Usually double time or time-and-a-half
• Late nights - Evening and night shifts may have higher rates
• Early mornings - Very early starts might attract penalties

If You Think You're Being Underpaid

Check your payslips. Your employer must give you a payslip within one working day of paying you. The payslip should show your hours, your hourly rate, any deductions, and your super contributions. If the numbers don't look right, use the Fair Work Pay Calculator to check, then raise it with your employer or contact Fair Work.

Quick Reference Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure your rights are being respected at work:

• ✓I get a 30-minute break when I work more than 5 hours
• ✓I receive a payslip within one day of being paid
• ✓I was trained on how to do my job safely before starting
• ✓I know where the first aid kit is and who to contact in an emergency
• ✓I'm not asked to work alone in situations that feel unsafe
• ✓I'm not pressured to skip school for work shifts
• ✓My pay matches the minimum rate for my age and role
• ✓I'm not asked to do dangerous tasks without proper training and equipment

Related Guides

Now that you know your rights, make sure you're set up for work:

• Get your Tax File Number (TFN) - Essential before you start any job to avoid losing money to tax.
• Understanding Superannuation - Learn about the super your employer must pay on top of your wages.
• Write your first resume - Tips for creating a resume with no work experience.