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.

boy peaking behind stage curtain

A child is a performer who is under 15 years of age or a 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.

Students

Tertiary students who direct children to perform in entertainment or still photography as part of their studies are deemed to be employing children, even if the children are not being paid. 

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.
Register of authorised employers
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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