Getting Ready for the Labour Hire Licensing Scheme

The “labour hire licensing scheme” – it seems to be the phrase on everybody’s lips at the moment.

Our Managing Director Dianne Gibert attended the recent Business Forums, “Let’s Chat About Licensing”, that APSCo Australia hosted across Australia to find out more.
 

Labour Hire Licensing Scheme – QLD

As you have no doubt heard, a mandatory licensing scheme for Queensland was announced in early May, and the Labour Hire Licensing Bill 2017 is currently undergoing review after being introduced to Parliament. It is expected that the legislation will come into effect early next year. 

The scheme will mean that all labour hire providers must be licensed, and that businesses will not be able to enter into labour hire arrangements with unlicensed providers.

This comes in response to concerns about “blatant worker exploitation, enabled by rogue labour hire providers”, according to Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace.
 

Labour Hire Licensing Scheme – Other States and Territories

Following the Victorian Inquiry into the Labour Hire Industry and Insecure Work, the Andrews Labor Government announced widespread reforms, including a licensing scheme for the Labour Hire Industry. The Government is now working to develop legislation to implement the scheme. Although the scheme is proposed for the horticultural, meat and cleaning industries, the Andrews Government has stated that this may extend to other industries.

ACT is currently conducting a labour hire inquiry, and the South Australian government has just announced that they will be introducing a licensing scheme.

NSW, WA, and NT have not conduced a labour hire inquiry to date.
 

What Does This Mean for You?

If you are a labour hire provider who operates in Queensland, regardless of where you are based, the proposed scheme will apply to you when it comes into effect next year.

It is important to review your operations and practices now in order to meet the requirements for a licence when the legislation comes into force, and to avoid penalties and prosecution after becoming licensed.
 

Questions or Concerns?

To find out more about the proposed licensing schemes or how to review your operations and practices, or for any other questions or concerns, please contact Dianne Gibert on 03 9555 3855 or contact us.