A fishing co-operative on the Great Ocean Road has been accused of multiple child employment breaches.
Wage Inspectorate Victoria (WIV) has filed charges in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria against Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-Operative alleging the business contravened the Child Employment Act 2003.
The co-operative allegedly employed multiple children under the age of 15 without a licence, failed to ensure the children were supervised by an adult with a current Working with Children Clearance, breached various conditions attached to their employment, including performing work beyond the maximum hours permitted during and outside the school term, and failed to keep records of each child employed under a licence.
The maximum penalties for these offences are in excess of:
- $230,000 for employing a child without a valid licence and failing to ensure a child is supervised by an adult with a current Working with Children Clearance.
- $47,000 for breaching the general conditions of employment including the hours worked.
- Just under $10,000 for keeping records.
The matter has been listed for mention at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 12 November 2025.
WIV will make no
