- Queensland's nation leading labour hire licensing scheme to mark five successful years this Sunday
- Scheme protects vulnerable workers by clamping down on rogue operators
- Palaszczuk Government will always support workers
Nearly five years since it was introduced, the Palaszczuk Government's Labour Hire Licensing Scheme continues to lead the nation and ensure Queensland workers are better protected.
Created through extensive consultation with the labour hire industry and worker representatives - to support responsible labour hire and provide greater protections to workers - the pioneering scheme has seen nearly 4000 licences issued in Queensland since 2018.
This followed the findings of a Queensland parliamentary inquiry into the labour hire industry in Queensland which recommended the investigation of a licensing scheme to directly address dishonest and exploitative business practices by some labour hire providers and users.
Under the Scheme, all labour hire providers must be licensed to provide labour hire services, and users of labour hire must only engage with licensed operators.
Nearly five years on, the Scheme is not only acknowledged across the country for its robust legislative framework, but also for the way it has brought together other regulatory agencies, such as the Fair Work Ombudsman, Border Force, the Australian Tax Office, WorkCover Qld and Local Governments.
These coordinated efforts have contributed to better protections for vulnerable workers and their entitlements, and in maintaining a level playing field for all labour hire businesses.
As the five-year anniversary draws closer, the Scheme celebrates its achievements to date:
- 3865 licensed labour hire providers operating in Queensland.
- 198 licences granted with conditions.
- 19 successful prosecutions against unlawful labour hire licence-related practices totalling $1,125,000.
- 316 withdrawn applications, 77 refused licences, more than 320 provider suspensions, and 101 licence cancellations due to non-compliance.
The Scheme commenced on April 16, 2018, following the successful passage of the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace:
"The Palaszczuk Government will never back away from protecting vulnerable workers and ensuring legitimate businesses aren't undercut by operators acting unlawfully.
"Tough compliance action sends a strong signal to the industry, acting as a deterrent to those who might consider providing or using unlicensed hired labour methods.
"I continue to be impressed by the outcomes of this Scheme and I'm not alone in this sentiment with many advocates across the industry heralding its successes.
"It has been great to hear industry reports that Queensland's labour hire licensing scheme has been effective in responding to unethical business practices across the sector.
"It has made reputable businesses feel confident that providers doing wrong by the industry will be held accountable."
Quotes attributable to Executive Officer, Approved Employers of Australia Steve Burdette:
"The Approved Employers of Australia (AEA) has experienced positive dealings with the Labour Hire Licensing Compliance Unit (LHLCU) in Queensland.
"Their willingness to collaborate and communicate with the AEA is greatly appreciated. The value and impact of the LHLCU is considerable as it strives to protect employers doing the right and ensure illegal operators are held to account.
"Their professionalism, integrity, and protection of privacy laws is highly respected. Other states and territories are encouraged to follow their example."
