Wage inspectors bust age misconception

A campaign that audited more then 200 Gippsland businesses discovered 76 per cent of businesses employing children under 15 were doing so without a permit.

A total of 225 businesses were audited in April this year by Wage Inspectorate Victoria across Warragul and Drouin, Yarragon and Trafalgar, Phillip Island and San Remo, Inverloch and Wonthaggi, and Moe.

The campaign targeted hospitality and fast food businesses, such as local cafes and restaurants.

During the four-day campaign 86 visits were unannounced, including 22 businesses in the Warragul and Drouin area and 15 businesses in Trafalgar and Yarragon.

A total of 158 businesses were issued notices to produce records.

The campaign found that 76 per cent of businesses employing children under the age of 15 did not have permits to do so, and many business owners and managers were under the misconception that workers could be employed at 14 and 9 months without a permit.

Two of these businesses were in Baw Baw Shire and were made aware of their obligations and informed that any breaches of the law could result in enforcement action.

Fifty per cent of non-compliant businesses were in the Phillip Island San Remo region.

Sixteen businesses were referred for further investigation, and 94 per cent of cases were resolved by voluntary compliance, and education and enforcement tools such as letters of warning.

Six per cent of businesses are still under investigation.

Consequences for breaking employment laws in Victoria include a formal warning and other actions, up to prosecution.