Queensland Government issues First Labour Hire License Suspension

Queensland’s labour hire licensing scheme has cancelled their first license. The Queensland Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) has suspended labour hire operator RJP Contractor Services Pty Ltd due to the “licensee [being] found to have provided false information about the supply of visa workers on their application and had also breached the Fair Work Act 2009.” With this breach, the agency is no longer able to operate in Queensland although they do have 28 days to request a review of the decision.

A pertinent reminder for labour hire agencies, this event shows that compliance is key when it comes to the licensing schemes.

Non-agencies also need to be aware of these changes as substantial civil financial penalties will apply to both providers who operate without a license and hosts engaging them. These penalties can be up to $391,650 or may include 3 years imprisonment.

With South Australia, Queensland and now Victoria all implementing Labour Hire Licensing Schemes, it’s expected that the rest of Australia will follow. It’s important to be sure that you’re doing the right thing.

To see more of our licensing resources, contact us.