A PHARMACIST of TerryWhite Chemmart, in Belmore Street Yarrawonga, Vic, has been fined $2,000 after pleading guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to employing a child under 15 years to do deliveries without a child employment permit, reported Mirage News last week. The offence came to light after the pharmacy applied for a child employment permit. When assessing the application, Wage Inspectorate Victoria learned the child had started work under the supervision of their father who was employed as a pharmacist at the pharmacy, before the permit application had been assessed and a permit issued. In sentencing, Magistrate Urfa Masood stated that the accused was aware of the legal obligation to apply for a permit and ought to have waited for it to be issued before the child commenced work. Masood also stated there is a need in these matters to bear in mind general deterrence, as these laws are here to protect children from exploitation and ensure they are safe in the workplace. In imposing a fine, Masood did not record a conviction against the company having considered its cooperation with the Wage Inspectorate’s investigation, and its early guilty plea. Commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria, Robert Hortle added, “applying for a permit or licence is an important step to complying with child employment laws as it allows us to ensure matters like work hours, rest breaks, and supervision are considered”. “If employers fail to apply for a permit or licence, we’re unable to assess the risk of employment to a child, potentially putting the child at risk,” said Hortle. “Kids in their first job at the same place as a parent can be a great experience, but it’s important that the business obtains a permit or licence before the child starts work.”