can an 8 year old sit in the front

Short answer: yes—across Australia, children 7 years and older (so your 8-year-old) may sit in the front seat if they’re properly restrained.

Better answer: it’s still safer in the back until about 12 years (or roughly 145 cm tall) because airbags and crash forces aren’t exactly kid-sized.

If they must ride up front, use the correct booster/seatbelt, slide the seat as far back as it goes, and keep the shoulder belt off the neck.

Laws are largely consistent nationwide, but check your state’s fine print before you play musical chairs with airbags.

In short: legal, yes; wise every day, not always—pick the back seat when you can.