Employer Authority fees will change from 1 July 2026 for employers in the entertainment, exhibition, modelling and still photography sectors.
No action is required before 1 July 2026. Applications lodged on or after this date will be subject to the new fee schedule.
Employer’s Authority fees will increase by 25 per cent from 1 July 2026 for employers in the entertainment, exhibition, modelling and still photography sectors. Annual indexation will apply from 1 July 2027.
Fees for Employer’s Authorities have not changed since 2015, despite significant increases in the cost of delivering regulatory services. Since that time, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has risen by an estimated 36 per cent. The increase is a measured adjustment that supports the safe and effective administration of the Children’s Employment Program.
No. The 25 per cent increase is below the estimated cumulative CPI increase since 2015. CPI equivalent fees would be higher than the new rates being introduced.
The new fees apply to Employer’s Authority applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Applications that are submitted and paid in full before 1 July 2026 will be processed at the current fee rates.
No action is required before 1 July 2026. Employers only need to pay the new fees when lodging an application on or after that date.
Fees for Employer Authorities across all duration categories are increasing, including:
- one week or less
- more than one week up to three months
- more than three months up to six months
- more than six months up to twelve months.
Separate fee schedules apply for:
- still photographic sessions
- entertainment, exhibition and modelling work.
No. All existing exemptions remain unchanged. Exemptions include arts students, who are not required to pay a fee for an Employer’s Authority.
Annual indexation from 1 July 2027 ensures fees remain aligned with CPI over time, avoiding large or irregular increases in the future. This approach improves transparency and gives employers greater certainty when planning and budgeting.
From 1 July 2027, fees will be adjusted annually in line with CPI movements using confirmed Australian Bureau of Statistics data. OCG will communicate any adjustment to stakeholders before 1 July each year.
No. The fee change does not alter child safety obligations or protections. It supports the continued operation of a strong regulatory framework to ensure children are employed safely and lawfully.
No. The application process and eligibility requirements remain the same. Only the fee amount is changing.
Performer representatives do not need an Employer’s Authority when acting only in their role as a representative. However, they must make sure that any employer they work with has a current authority. This includes checking the OCG website to confirm the authority is valid and keeping a record of the employer’s Authority number.
If you have questions about the fee changes or your Employer’s Authority application, contact: kidsemployment@ocg.nsw.gov.au
Fees for still photographic sessions
| Duration of authority | Current fee (since 2015) | New fee from 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week or less | $100 | $125 |
| More than 1 week – up to 3 months | $806 | $1,007.50 |
| More than 3 months – up to 6 months | $914 | $1,142.50 |
| More than 6 months – up to 12 months | $1,075 | $1,343.75 |
Fees for entertainment, exhibition, and modelling
| Duration of authority | Current fee (since 2015) | New fee from 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week or less | $200 | $250 |
| More than 1 week – up to 3 months | $1,830 | $2,287.50 |
| More than 3 months – up to 6 months | $2,040 | $2,550 |
| More than 6 months – up to 12 months | $2,400 | $3,000 |
