The Victorian Children's Agents' Association Inc. was formed and incorporated in September 1985.

The Association was formed to monitor the protection and welfare of children working within the advertising, film and television industry. To promote high professional and ethical standards, to represent the interests of Agencies and children in all legal matters, to maintain reasonable and fair standards of pay and working conditions.

Unlike New South Wales, unfortunately there is no Licensing Authority or Regulatory Body in Victoria offering effective protection against unsavoury, unsatisfactory or shonky operators working within this industry.  We have no control over who can or cannot start an Agency.  The V.C.A.A. was formed partly to offer children and their parents the security of joining a member Agency.  Members have proven themselves to be reputable, reliable and working in the best interests of the children.  To become a member of the V.C.A.A a new Agent must comply with the Association's strict requirements including a National Police Check.

The Association has 5 members.  These members are listed in the MEMBERS area of this website. We currently have 3 new Agencies seeking membership. 

Each Agency who is a member of the V.C.A.A, has complied with very strict requirements and has completed the following -

1. Supplied background information on the proprietor/s and the business, including the results of an Australian Securities and Investments Commission company search on the proposed member organization.

2. Conducted their Agency for not less than two years

3. Provided ten testimonials from clients covering all aspects of the industry stating that they have been using the Agency.

4. Provided proof of trading

5. Provided a copy of the Registration of the Business Name and or Company details.

It is important that the parent/guardian of the child make their own enquiries about an Agency they are thinking of joining. This can be done by talking to the proprietor of the Agency and asking as many questions as possible, by visiting the many parents' sites on the internet such as Bub Hub etc., or by calling retailers such as Target, Kmart, Myer etc., Workforce Victoria or Consumer Affairs. 

The V.C.A.A can recommend all member Agencies as being reputable and reliable otherwise they would not be V.C.A.A members.

It is the responsibility of each parent/guardian to make all necessary enquiries to satisfy themselves that the Agency they choose is the right Agency for their child/children.

It is advisable that you have an Agent in order for your child/children to get the best possible exposure in the industry. Agents have a wealth of knowledge and it is in your child's best interest to utilize this expertise. It can be a cut throat industry; your Agent however knows the clients well and has developed good relationships with them.  Your Agent will promote your child far better than you can on your own and always has your child's best interests at heart. 

The many legal, ethical and Workplace Victoria requirements governing children in the Entertainment Industry can be quite daunting when going it alone.  All V.C.A.A  member Agencies are familiar with the legal responsibilities and compliance requirements.  

An Agent in the Entertainment industry acts as your representative when dealing with potential employers.  Your Agent works on your behalf to make sure that you receive the best possible rates of pay, to organise contracts and work permits and to make sure that all the conditions and guidelines in regard to working with children are met. (link workplace victoria).

In return your Agent will take a commission from the fee they have negotiated for you.

It should be remembered that the Agent is NOT the employer but works on your behalf to obtain the best for you by way of obtaining work and negotiating the terms and conditions of that work.  

No Agent can offer guarantees. Their job is to promote your child/children to the best of their ability and they will put your child/children forward for all jobs that he/she might be suitable for. Ultimately it is the clients who have the final say.

There are many similarities between Agencies however all operate differently. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to investigate each Agency and satisfy themselves as to which Agency best suits their needs. It is important to feel comfortable with the staff and to establish a good rapport with the proprietor of the Agency.

It is a requirement of all V.C.A.A. Agents that children only be represented by one Agency at a time.  Aside from ethical issues and standard industry practices in Australia, it can be confusing for clients as to which Agency to call when booking talent and causes problems between fellow Agents. This will be covered in the Agency Contract/Agreement.

Yes, all Agencies take commissions. The agent is working for you by finding jobs, negotiating wages, organising permits and contracts and making sure all requirements in regard to working with children are met. Your Agent will take a percentage of the fee they have negotiated for your child/children.  You should always check the commission structure of each Agency.

Most do, however the amount can vary.  You should make your own enquires as to what the registration/joining fees are and what those fees cover.

No, the quantity of children represented varies from Agency to Agency. You should ask each Agency if they have a limit to their intake and the quantities of talent they represent. 

All V.C.A.A member Agencies will require a Contract/Agreement to be signed.  All Contracts/Agreements can be slightly different. You should always read legal documents carefully and be sure you fully understand the contents before you sign.  A Contract/Agreement is a legally binding document.

You can contact as many Agencies as you like and enquire about their joining procedures.  Most Agencies have different methods of how to apply. All V.C.A.A member Agencies have very informative websites. It would be advisable to read the 'About Us' and 'FAQ' links on their websites and educate yourself about each Agency and it's owners.  This way you are in a far better position to make an informed decision as to which Agency you would like to join. 

You will find that the V.C.A.A. member Agencies will recommend that you obtain a Tax File Number.  Remember, the Agencies are NOT the employer of your child/children.  They act as your Agent only.  PAYG instalments are deducted by most clients and it is your responsibility to apply to the ATO for a Tax File Number for your child/children.  In many instances, PAYG Tax will be deducted at the top rate from your child/children's pay by the Employer unless a completed Tax File Number Declaration Form is provided with the invoice. 

It is the Agent's responsibility to provide you with a high level of professional service and to give you helpful, friendly and ethical advice in regard to your child/children's work.

Although Agent's cannot guarantee work, they will promote your child to the best of their ability.  It is the responsibility of the Agent to negotiate all contracts, advise on permits, negotiate fees, process invoices and pays and assist in all aspects of the child/children's career. The Agent should be available for advice and to answer any of your questions. 

No matter which Agency you join, the Agent can only promote your child/children to the best of their ability by having the correct information.

It is the parent's responsibility to make sure the Agent has good, clear up to date photos and information on your child/children and that measurements are updated on a regular basis. Children change and grow continuously and Agents cannot fulfil their obligations with dated information and photographs.

Parents are also responsible for providing the Agency with all necessary paperwork required in the process of booking talent for work, including Tax File Numbers and Tax File Number Declaration Forms. Child Employment Permits are a legal requirement; no child in Victoria can work without these Permits in place.  

   No Agent can promote talent to the best of their ability without total co-operation from parents.