Labour Hire Workers Given Greater Protections

Labour hire workers in Bancroft now have increased protections as the Palaszczuk Government’s new labour hire law took effect on 16 April, Chris Whiting MP said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is leading the way in the fight to ensure that our most vulnerable workers are not subject to exploitation and mistreatment,” Chris Whiting said.

“I have worked as a real estate agent and know you need to be licenced to sell a house, so it makes sense to me you have to be licenced to hire out labour.

“The lack of regulation in labour hire has meant some rogue operators have been able to take advantage of employees.

“In the absence of any action by the Federal Government, the Palaszczuk Government has drawn a line in the sand and set up a system to ensure all stakeholders do the right thing.

“In the past there have been cases of workers being sexually harassed, forced to work ridiculously long hours, underpaid or even unpaid or exposed to serious safety risks.

“The new laws require that Labour Hire providers be licenced in Queensland, and businesses who need to hire labour must only use licenced providers,” Chris Whiting said.

The new Labour Hire Licensing Scheme sets minimum standards for labour hire providers, and was established following extensive consultation with stakeholders.

To obtain a licence, a provider must demonstrate that they are fit and proper to provider theses services, can comply with relevant state and Commonwealth law, and that their business is financially viable.

“Be warned – if you provide labour hire services in Queensland without a licence or try to avoid your responsibilities, you may face jail time, a hefty fine or your license may be cancelled,” said Chris Whiting.
A newly formed Labour Hire Licensing Compliance Unit will be responsible for regulating and ensuring compliance with the scheme.
For more information on the Queensland’s Labour Hire Licensing Scheme go to www.labourhire.qld.gov.au