Employing children in acting and modelling

The Office of the Children’s Guardian regulates when and how babies, children and young people are employed for their modelling or acting services.

A child is a performer or model who is under 16 years of age.

You are employing a child when all the following 3 items apply:

The child is performing in the entertainment, exhibition, still photography or modelling sectors

You are giving the child, or someone else, a payment or material benefit (goods and services in lieu of payment) at any point in time for the child’s services AND

You have some level of responsibility for casting a child in a role and for the directions given to that child to perform activities.

Quick links

Steps to employing a child

Everything you need to do when employing a child or teenager in modelling or acting.

Authority to employ children

The person responsible for casting and giving directions to the child is required to hold an Authority to employ children.

Give 7 days notice

You must tell us at least 7 days before you employ a child.

More information

What employment means

Employing children in acting and modelling, Code of Practice and record keeping requirements

Who is responsible

What constitutes an employer, information for students and information for performer representatives

Requirements for children of different ages

Hours of work and specific requirements for babies and children under 3.

Employers that are authorised to employ children in modelling and entertainment.

Forms

Forms your organisation will need to employ a child.

Useful contacts

Contact details for the Children’s Employment team, as well as other states and other employment regulation

The Fair Work Ombudsman

If you are looking for work hours for young people but not in acting or modelling industries, the Fair Work Ombudsman has information.

Fair Work Ombudsman

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