Two fast-food businesses in Victoria are facing hundreds of charges for allegedly breaking child labour laws.
Red Rooster in Wodonga has been hit with 355 criminal charges while iconic ice cream chain Cold Rock in Shepparton is facing 124 criminal charges, amid a crackdown by the state’s child employment watchdog.
Wage Inspectorate Victoria alleges both businesses breached the Child Employment Act on various occasions, including for employing children for more hours than they were allowed to work.
Each faces fines of up to $20,000 per breach of the law.
It has been claimed the Wodonga Red Rooster also employed several children under the age of 15 without the appropriate permit on nearly 170 occasions.
The business also allegedly failed to ensure child employees were supervised by a staff member with a Working with Children Clearance.
Meanwhile, Cold Rock in Shepparton is accused of failing to provide sufficient breaks of at least 30 minutes every three hours and employing children later than 9pm.
Wage Inspectorate Victoria Commissioner Robert Hortle said the charges would put other businesses on notice, particularly those in regional areas.
“These are the type of businesses where many kids get their first job, so people rightly expect them to have a strong focus on creating a safe workplace for kids, which is what child employment laws help ensure,” he said.
It follows another case involving Muffin Break Southland, in Melbourne’s Cheltenham.
The small business was hit with 360 charges last month relating to various breaches, including failure to provide breaks and obtain the necessary permits.
Victoria’s child labour laws restrict when businesses can employ children and for how long they can work.
Children must receive a 30-minute rest break after every three hours of work and cannot work after 9pm.
Workers under 15 must be supervised by someone who holds a valid employee Victorian Working with Children Clearance.
AAP has contacted the businesses for comment.
– AAP
