The push to lower the employment age in Australia

There’s a push for children as young as 13 to be allowed to work to help address staff shortages across Australia.

It’s divided opinion.

The push is coming from the retail and hospitality sectors, calling on the Federal Government to establish a national uniform age for starting work.

Australian Retailers Association chief Paul Zahra told 3AW the current laws were inconsistent.

“What we are looking for is a national approach,” he told Ross and Russel.

Press PLAY below to hear what they’re after

Gerard Dwyer is National Secretary of the Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees Association and said while the “overall” benefits could be a positive, young workers were overrepresented in customer abuse and sexual harassment complaints.

“There are some serious issues that need to be considered,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear more about those problems

Picture: Getty iStock