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[-] MisterFrog@aussie.zone 1 points 2 days ago

You can in Victoria: https://www.vic.gov.au/if-your-child-wants-leave-school-early

Someone who's 30 could conceivably be working at the same position at Coles, as you say, as a 17* year old . (This is the law in Victoria, there may well be 16 year-olds who can leave school in other states).

It's stupid though, because this is MINIMUM WAGE, that they reduce even further just because of your age.

I think it's dumb and they should at the very least remove this minimum wage "discount" (notice how it's in the employers point of view, love the FWC...) for 16-17 year-olds also, as they may be working full time.

[-] fizzle@quokk.au 1 points 2 days ago

If you're hiring people for a minimum wage job, and can choose a 17yo with no experience or a 30yo with at least some experience, most employers would choose the 30yo.

[-] MisterFrog@aussie.zone 1 points 2 days ago

Sure, putting a "discount" on minimum wage seems dubious to me though.

[-] fizzle@quokk.au 1 points 2 days ago

I've never thought of it as a discount on minimum wage.

It's more like a minimum wage which varies according to age.

A 17 year old is likely to have less experience than a 30 year old, while also having less financial responsibilities like children and so on.

this post was submitted on 31 Mar 2026
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