A prominent cafe and growing gourmet food business off the Hume Highway has found itself in hot water after the owners spoke to the ABC about employing schoolkids, some as young as 11yo. The Long Track Pantry at Jugiong started out as the place for travellers to get a good coffee when it opened in 2006, and over the years, it’s become a destination for foodies with a taste for their jams, sauces and other delicious bits. Finding workers to support their growth was an issue – a challenge met by local children who now make up most of the business’s 100-strong workforce. “They work hard, but it’s really fun,” said supervisor Treen Brooker. Not happy: many on social media who encouraged one-star reviews. NSW doesn’t mandate a minimum working age, but the federal government is currently looking at signing an international agreement that would mean children under 13yo would be banned from paid work, with some exceptions.