June 17, 2005

NEWS: TV or not TV? Children's work code to decide (AUSTRALIA)

By Paul Robinson - Workplace Editor - June 17, 2005

Television viewers will remember Sean Wemyss, 6, as the boy who ran after the cow to try to make the best ice-cream. Radio listeners will recognise his cute voice as Rex Hunt's sidekick "Little Billy" in real estate advertisements.

Until now, the way Sean has worked in Victoria has been largely unregulated, but overseen by his parents, Stig and Megan, who are actors.

This is about to change when the Victorian Government approves a code of conduct for the entertainment industry. A working party of film and TV producers, media unionists and government experts developed the code.

While NSW has been looking after its budding Shirley Temples and Macaulay Culkins for years, Victoria will now begin to regulate the hours its child prodigies can work. The rules will proscribe how newborn babies and children aged up to 15 can work. The code will designate what school work they will need on long film assignments, what breaks the children must take and what travel arrangements must be in place to ensure the children's safety.

FULL ARTICLE: http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/TV-or-not-TV-Childrens-work-code-to-decide/2005/06/16/1118869034938.html?oneclick=true#

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