Generally, a child is a person under 18 years of age (the age of majority).

For the purposes of giving evidence in court, a young child is a person 12 years of age or less [Evidence Act 1929 s 4].

See also the law about giving consent to medical treatment.

Legislation

There are four main State Acts that specifically deal with children.

As well, there is the Commonwealth Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Australia is a signatory.