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New Victorian labour hire laws to protect workers

The arrival of international retailers, including Amazon and Aldi, is a key factor underpinning a forecasted surge in construction activity, according to Master Builders Australia.

The Victorian Government has announced the Labour Hire Licensing Bill 2017 has passed into law and will aim to protect labour hire workers from being underpaid or exploited.

It comes in response to the Victorian Inquiry into the Labour Hire Industry and insecure work.The Victorian Government has announced the Labour Hire Licensing Bill 2017 has passed into law and will aim to protect labour hire workers from being underpaid or exploited.

Under the scheme, providers of labour hire services will be required to hold a license and hosts will be required to only use licensed providers.

Obtaining a license will require a ‘fit and proper person test’ and to show compliance with workplace laws, labour hire laws, and minimum accommodation standards.

A publicly accessible register will list licensed providers, while rogue operators will be liable for significant civil and criminal penalties.

The scheme is similar to labour hire licensing schemed in South Australia and Queensland and will aim to provide momentum for a national scheme.

An inspectorate within the Labour Hire Licensing Authority will monitor and investigate compliance with the scheme.

Businesses will be able to apply for a license from next year.

Victorian Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins said the state government has taken action to clean up the industry and make things fair for labour hire workers across Victoria.

“Under these new laws, businesses will need to be licensed and do the right thing, or face hefty penalties,” Ms Hutchins said.


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