A mother's perspective of the after-school work laws

Hi I am a mother and farmer and I am very concerned about the new workplace law that is costing young Australians like my son to lose his after-school job. The law says he must work three hours in each shift, but in our region school ends at 3.30 and work ends at 5.30.  The law lacks commonsense.

It didn't interfere with his school work. It was good for him, it was good for his boss at the local co-operative and as a mother I was happy he was getting some work experience and completing school. He was doing the right thing and my husband and I were very proud of him.

The Government say they are in favour of young people working. But Fair Work Australia says young Australians like my son are losing their jobs because of this law.

I didn't like Work Choices because it might affect my children. I don't like this law either because it has cost Matthew and his younger brother an opportunity. It affects small business and regional areas worse.

We need your help to get a commonsense change for after-school work. Through ComeOn Australia you can send an email to your MP and sign the on-line petition.

Please help and please tell as many parents as possible, because this law just isn't fair for our kids.

Jane Spencer
Terang
(Matthew Spencer's mum)

Matthew Spencer's Story

Hi, my name is Matthew Spencer.

I have worked at the Terang and District Co-op since I turned 15. Just a few days before before my 17th birthday in February this year I was told that I could no longer work my after school shift because of the new IR laws that says I must work no less than 3 hours a day.I finished school at 3.30pm and started work at 4.00pm and the store closed at 5.30pm. I was happy with that and so were my parents and it suited my employer...

Leticia Harrison tells her story

Hi my name is Leticia Harrison.

I am 17 years old and live in the small town of Terang Victoria.  I worked at the Terang Co-Op in the hardware department, but because of the new 3hr retail award I can't work after school anymore because my place of employment is only opened until 5.30pm from Monday to Friday.

I found this completely ridiculous and decided to try and change the award so me and other youths could work after school and learn how to have work placement skills.

After school work rules affect employment

Fair Work Australia has admitted that the three hour minimum rule in its new retail award, “has led to less employment of school students” and that “the impact on individuals in that situation is significant and has an impact on employment opportunities for youth in regional areas in particular. See a Press Release from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.