Labour hire licensing schemes are designed to protect your rights and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. At Now Careers, we’re committed to helping you navigate these regulations and find the best opportunities in your field.
In this post, we’ll explain what labour hire licensing means for you, what to look out for, and how it varies across Australia.
If you’d prefer to chat directly with us, you can call our Sydney, Brisbane or Gold Coast office!
Labour Hire Licensing in Australia
Currently, four states and territories in Australia have implemented labour hire licensing schemes:
- Queensland
- Victoria
- South Australia
- Australian Capital Territory
If you’re working in or intend to work in one of these states, your labour hire provider must be licenced. For workers in other states, different protections apply.
At Now Careers, we operate across all of Australia and can help you find opportunities that comply with your state’s specific requirements.
Queensland Labour Hire Licensing
If you’re working in Queensland, your labour hire provider must hold a valid licence. Here’s what you need to know:
- Check your provider’s licence: You can verify your provider’s licence status on the Queensland Labour Hire Licensing website.
- Your rights: Licensed providers must ensure your pay and conditions meet legal standards, provide a safe work environment, and comply with workers’ compensation laws.
- Reporting issues: If you suspect your provider is unlicenced or violating regulations, you can report them to the Labour Hire Licensing Compliance Unit.
We have teams in Brisbane and the Gold Coast ready to help you find your next labour hire role.
Victoria Labour Hire Licensing
For workers in Victoria, the licensing scheme offers several protections:
- Verify the licence: Check your provider’s licence on the Labour Hire Authority website.
- Worker protections: Licensed providers must comply with workplace laws, accommodation standards (if provided), and meet specific reporting requirements.
- What to do: If your provider isn’t licenced, contact the Labour Hire Authority. It’s illegal to operate without a licence in Victoria.
South Australia Labour Hire Licensing
In South Australia, the licensing scheme benefits workers in several ways:
- License check: Verify your provider’s licence on the Consumer and Business Services website.
- Worker benefits: Licensed providers must demonstrate compliance with workplace laws and treat workers fairly.
- Reporting: You can report unlicenced providers or breaches of licence conditions to Consumer and Business Services.
Australian Capital Territory Labour Hire Licensing
The ACT’s scheme, while newer, offers similar protections:
- Verify licences: Check your provider’s status on the Access Canberra website.
- Worker protections: Licensed providers must comply with workplace laws and meet specific standards of conduct.
- Your rights: Under a licenced provider, you’re entitled to fair pay, safe working conditions, and proper treatment.
States Without Labour Hire Licensing Schemes
If you’re working in New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania, or the Northern Territory, there’s currently no specific labour hire licensing scheme. However, this doesn’t mean you’re without protection:
- General workplace laws still apply, including fair work regulations and occupational health and safety standards.
- Your labour hire provider must still comply with all relevant employment laws.
- Stay informed about potential future licensing schemes in these states.
Even in states without specific licensing schemes, Now Careers adheres to the highest worker protection standards and fair treatment. We’re here to support you, regardless of your location.
Your Rights as a Labour Hire Worker
Regardless of which state you’re in, you have fundamental rights as a worker:
- Fair pay and conditions as per the relevant award or agreement
- A safe and healthy work environment
- Freedom from discrimination and harassment
- The right to join a union
In states with licensing schemes, you have additional protections and a clear avenue for reporting issues with non-compliant providers.
To learn more about your safety rights in labour hire, click here.
Know Your Rights
Understanding your rights and the licensing requirements in your state empowers you as a labour hire worker. Now Careers is here to support you every step of the way. We’re not just a recruitment consultancy but your partner in building a successful career in the labour hire industry.
Whether you’re looking for your next opportunity or need guidance on your rights as a worker, Now Careers is here to help. We offer:
- Access to a wide range of job opportunities in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast
- Guidance on your rights and protections in your specific state
- Support in navigating labour hire regulations
- A commitment to fair treatment and worker empowerment
Don’t navigate the complex world of labour hire alone. Reach out to Now Careers today, and let us help you find your next great opportunity while ensuring your rights are protected.
For more information about labour hire, including how pay and superannuation are handled, check out our comprehensive guide to labour hire.
