Horticulture Company Faces Labour Hire Lawsuit

Did you know that the horticulture industry has been a particular focus for the Labour Hire Authority? 

Currently, Victorian horticulture company A L Star is facing a lawsuit after being accused of operating without a labour hire licence.  

The Labour Hire Authority claims that A L Star continued to provide workers to pick fruit and vegetables, even though its licence application was rejected. The company could be fined close to $600,000 for these alleged offences!

“Labour hire businesses need to comply with their obligations – there is no excuse for doing the wrong thing by workers”. 
— Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner, Steve Dargavel 

Labour Hire Authority putting horticulture in the spotlight 

In 2023, the Labour Hire Authority has expanded its program of compliance and enforcement. Horticulture is a target industry. 

A significant 10% of licensed labour hire providers operate within horticulture.  

Unfortunately, the industry is notorious for worker exploitation and poor conditions. Between 2022 and 2023, the Authority cancelled 52 labour hire licences due to non-compliance. In December last year, the Supreme Court also successfully prosecuted a horticulture company that supplied workers to the Yarra Valley for lying in their licence application. The case resulted in the largest penalty for breaching labour hire licensing law in Australian history. 

“Workers picking fruit and vegetables are among Victoria’s most vulnerable, so it’s critical that all labour hire companies employing these workers are licensed...Unfortunately, the horticulture industry can be susceptible to worker exploitation – our focus is making sure labour hire providers do the right thing by their workers.” 
— Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner, Steve Dargavel 

Certex’s Labour Hire Licensing Support 

The licensing laws and schemes vary state-by-state. With different submission processes and requirements, applying for licenses can be frustratingly complex.  

Certex can help businesses carefully review the requirements expected of them under the various state-based legislation to ensure they are well-prepared to proceed with the licensing process.  

As compliance and labour hire experts, we can guide your business through the relevant labour hire licencing preparation, allowing for a seamless and worry-free application process. 

Contact us today or click below for more information.