when can a kid sit in front seat

In Australia, kids under 4 must ride in an approved child restraint in the back; the front seat is only allowed if the vehicle has no rear seats, and never with an active airbag.

From 4 to under 7, they must be in the back in a forward-facing seat or booster; the front is only okay if all rear seats are occupied by children under 7, and they still need the correct restraint. At 7 and up, they can legally sit in front with a properly fitted seatbelt or booster, but the back seat is still safer by a country mile. As a fit check, aim for about 145 cm and passing the five-step test so an adult belt actually fits. If there’s a passenger airbag and a rear-facing seat, the front is a hard no. Rules are broadly consistent nationwide, but confirm your state’s specifics before attempting school-run heroics.