Au pair contract
There is no official au pair contract for Australia, but the European au pair contract template is widely used and accepted. You can modify it according to your needs.
In the au pair contract, the host family and au pair can specify what arrangements have been made for the au pair stay - what duties the au pair will perform, how much holiday time the au pair will have, and how many hours will be worked and at what times so as to ensure a clear and fair arrangement between the family and the au pair.
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Termination
The is no official conditions of a contract termination or a notice period for an au pair contract for Australia. We recommend a notice period of two weeks so that both the au pair and the family will have enough time to make new arrangements whether for the trip home or for a new au pair.
Length of stay
The visa is valid for 12 months. Working Holiday Makers may not work for the same employer for more than six months. However, au pairs are allowed to stay with their host families for up to 12 months if given signed permission by an Immigration Secretary or by signing a Form 1445.
Au pair duties
The main responsibility of an au pair in Australia is to take care of the children of the host family. In addition, the au pair may perform light housework chores. The au pair and host family should discuss the details of these arrangements in advance and include them in the au pair contract.
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Pocket money
Au pairs receive pocket money from the host family as part of their au pair arrangement. In Australia, there is no specific regulation that sets a fixed payment for au pairs.
If the arrangement is considered an employment relationship, Australian employment laws may apply, including the National Minimum Wage. The National Minimum Wage is reviewed regularly by the Fair Work Commission, and the applicable rate depends on the rules in force at the time. From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is AUD 26.44 gross per hour for employees covered by this minimum wage rate.
Where employment laws apply, any deductions or allowances relating to accommodation and meals must comply with the applicable legal requirements.
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Room & board
Au pairs should have their own room in the home of their host family. In addition, au pairs receive all their regular meals at home with the host family in accordance with our basic idea of au pairing as a cultural exchange.
The specific arrangements regarding meals and accommodation should be agreed upon in advance between the host family and the au pair.
If the relationship between both parties is considered an employment relationship, the relevant Australian employment laws may apply. Where employment laws apply, any arrangements or deductions relating to accommodation and meals must comply with the applicable legal requirements.
For further information, please contact the relevant authorities.
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Working time
Where an au pair is considered an employee under Australian employment law, the National Employment Standards provide that an employee’s ordinary hours of work should not exceed 38 hours per week.
As a general recommendation, we advise that au pairs provide around 30 hours of support to their host family per week, to maintain a good balance between helping the family and enjoying the cultural experience.
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Time off and holiday
Before the start of the stay, the au pair and the host family should agree on when and how many days off the au pair will have. In Australia, there is no specific regulation for au pairs that sets a fixed number of days off or holidays.
As a general good practice, we recommend that au pairs have at least one full day off per week. Many families and au pairs also agree on having two consecutive days off to ensure a good balance throughout the stay. In any case, these arrangements should be agreed upon in advance by both parties.
If the relationship between the au pair and the host family is considered an employment relationship, Australian employment laws regarding rest periods, annual leave and public holidays may apply.
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Language course
During the au pair stay, the au pair should attend an English course. Typically in Australia, au pairs pay for such a course themselves.
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State social insurance and income tax
Au pairs travelling to Australia on a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) are subject to the tax rules that apply to Working Holiday Makers (WHMs). To work legally and meet their tax obligations, they must apply for an Australian Tax File Number (TFN).
The tax treatment applicable will depend on the tax rules in force at the time and on the income earned during their stay.
Where the relationship between the host family and the au pair is considered an employment relationship, the family must comply with the relevant employer obligations, which may include registration and applicable tax withholding requirements.
Further information can be found on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website.
Au pair insurance
Au pairs travelling on a Working Holiday visa to Australia should have a comprehensive private au pair insurance to be safely and fully insured during their time abroad. In Australia, au pairs are responsible for covering the costs of this insurance.
AuPairWorld recommends the PROTRIP-WORLD insurance package for this purpose. It is especially designed for au pairs and other young people time abroad. Among other benefits, this insurance covers the full costs of inpatient and outpatient medical care, plus return transport to the home country if necessary for medical reasons.
Citizens of Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and United Kingdom can receive treatment through their countries' reciprocal health care agreement with Australia, entitling them to use the public health service, if necessary. However, health care is the only benefit available to these citizens and more comprehensive coverage via an au pair insurance policy is still recommended.
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Travel expenses
The au pair usually pays his or her travel costs to Australia. If the family has been satisfied with the work of the au pair, they might consider making a contribution to the costs of the return trip. This is a suggestion from us that families can act on as they wish.
Driving and driving licence
If an au pair will be expected to drive the host family car, then it is important to have sufficient driving experience. In Australia, cars drive on the left and au pairs should think carefully if they feel confident about driving under such circumstances.
If the au pair will be driving the host family car, the insurance situation should be clarified in advance. Au pair and host family need to decide who will bear uninsured costs in case of damage caused by an accident.
In Australia, visitors may drive with a valid driving licence issued in a foreign country for up to three months upon arrival. After these three months, they either need an additional international driving licence, or the English translation of their driving licence. Please consult the pages of the Australian government for more information.
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