Labour hire licensing bill introduced in Queensland

May 26, 2017 News

The SDA applauds Minister Graces’ committment yesterday to “drive out (the) cheaters and rorters” in the labour hire industry. New legislation as been introduced which requires companies to hold annually-renewable licences. Fees for the licence will range from $1000 to $5000. The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s Labour Hire Licensing Bill 2017 will require businesses who are looking to hire staff to use a registered provider. The labour hire provider must pass a ‘fit and proper person’ test, have a history of compliance with relevant laws and show the business is financially viable. Inspectors would have the power to police the industry under the new legislation.

Minister Grace said “This Bill will drive out those cheaters and rorters who exploit labour hire workers. If you need a license to operate a real estate agency … then why shouldn’t you need a license to run a labour hire firm?”  The bill has been sent to a parliamentary committee for examination.

SDA State Secretary, Chris Gazenbeek supports the Bill, and states:

“The SDA strongly supports a directly employed workforce in the first instance however, where there is a need for Labour Hire employees, we have always ensured they receive the same wages and have argued for the same conditions of employment in the workplaces we represent. Some Labour Hire employers have exploited workers for far too long and the Bill is an important step towards regulating a growing industry and will ensure workers can defend their rights and receive their minimum entitlements.”