Mandatory Codes for Children in the Entertainment Industry

The mandatory code of practice contains provisions regulating the employment of children in entertainment. A child is defined in the Act as a person under 15 years of age.

Under the Act, entertainment means any form of entertainment and includes:

• singing, dancing or acting
• playing a musical instrument
• appearing in a radio, television, film or similar program or production not in the nature of a news item
• modelling
• appearing in promotional events or advertising
• working as a photographic subject, whether still or moving
• working in or in relation to a circus
• taking part in a performance that is recorded for use in a subsequent entertainment or exhibition
• working in musical theatre, plays, operas or other live entertainment
• performing in a shopping centre

The code was gazetted on 16 June 2005 and will come into operation on 1 November 2005.

	Mandatory Code of Practice for the Employment of Children in Entertainment (PDF 608Kb)
	Provisions regulating the employment of children in entertainment.

	Guide to the Employment of Children in the Entertainment Industry (PDF 608Kb)
	Information on application processes for child employment processes, hours, education, workplace, supervisors, and Child Employment officers. Note that the Mandatory Code of Practice for the Employment of Children in the Entertainment Industry has been revised - please see the new code for latest information.

	Children's Choral Performances and the Child Employment Act 2003 (PDF 688Kb)
	The Child Employment Act aims to ensure that the employment of a child does not adversely affect the child's education, health, safety and moral welfare. This document explains how the Act applies to choirs.

Child Employment Information Form

Clause 3 of the code sets out a requirement for an employer to obtain certain information from a child's parent or guardian before the child can commence employment. The information concerns contact details and medical information and authorities.

	Child Employment Information Form (RTF 193Kb)
	A template of the Child Employment Information Form which can assist employers in complying with Clause 3 of the Mandatory Code of Practice for the Employment of Children in Entertainment

Babies under 12 weeks – Confirmation of Advice Form

The Code sets out special requirements for employing babies under 12 weeks of age. Depending on the length of the engagement, employers are required to act on advice from either the parent or a nurse.

	Confirmation of Advice Form (RTF 35Kb)
	Babies Under 12 Weeks – Confirmation of Advice Form that may be used by employers to create a record of the advice received from parents or nurses under requirements set out in the Mandatory Code of Practice for the Employment of Children in Entertainment

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