An Aupair is a young person from a foreign country who comes to Australia to live with a host family and take care of their children. The Aupair provides help with household duties and childcare in exchange for a place to live, meals, and a small allowance. The term Aupair comes from the French word “on par,” which means “equal to.” The idea is that the Aupair becomes a member of the host family, with duties and responsibilities that are shared.

Who Can Become an Aupair in Australian Capital Territory, Australia?

There are two main categories of people who can become Aupairs in Australia: Working Holiday Visa Holders and International Students. In some cases, locals can also become Aupairs. However, there are certain restrictions on who can become an Aupair, and not everyone is eligible.

According to the Fair Work definition of an Aupair, they must be:

• Aged between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive)
• A foreign national who is coming to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa or a Student Visa
• Able to speak functional English
• Expected to live with their host family and provide up to 30 hours of child-related work per week, in exchange for accommodation and pocket money
• Not be related to the host family
• Not be a permanent resident or citizen of Australia (exceptions may apply: See GYMPY) 
• CAPAA’s definition of an Aupair is similar but also includes the requirement that the Aupair is not an employee. In other words, they must not be performing work that would normally be performed by an employee. This is an important distinction, as it ensures that Aupairs are not exploited or treated unfairly.

Typical Duties of an Aupair

The duties of an Aupair can vary depending on the needs of the host family, but typically include tasks such as:

• Getting children ready for school or daycare
• Preparing meals for children
• Doing laundry and light housework
• Driving children to activities or appointments
• Helping children with homework
• Playing with children and engaging them in activities
• Supervising children while parents are out
• Generally being a positive role model and companion for children
• Risks of Not Using a Reputable Agency

While there are many benefits to hosting an Aupair, there are also risks involved. These risks can be minimized by using a reputable agency that is a member of CAPAA, such as 99aupairs.

Some of the risks host families face when not using a reputable agency include:

• The possibility of hiring an unqualified or unsuitable Aupair
• Not having access to support and advice if problems arise
• Not being aware of legal requirements and obligations
• Potentially exposing themselves to liability if something goes wrong