Milestone reached for labour hire licensing in ACT

Since the launch of the new labour hire licence scheme on 27 May 2021, 100 applications have been received from providers acknowledging the importance of the scheme in the ACT. The scheme requires labour hire providers to be licensed, promoting responsible conduct in the industry and protecting workers engaged in labour hire arrangements across multiple industries. Labour Hire Licence and Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius said this is an important step towards improving practices within the labour hire service industry, and encouraged other providers to commence their applications as soon as possible.

“It is unacceptable that companies profit from exploiting workers. Individuals who are employed through a labour hire company are entitled to the same workplace protections as every other worker in the ACT,” said Commissioner Agius.

Details of licensed businesses are listed on a publicly available WorkSafe ACT register, allowing workers, businesses and the community to check a labour hire provider’s licence status prior to engaging with them. Commissioner Agius added that the newly licensed labour hire companies are setting a good example for others. “This register identifies those organisations who are proactive and engaged in protecting their workers,” said Commissioner Agius.

Industry-specific Q&A sessions will soon be scheduled to provide further information for labour hire providers, to ensure they meet their obligations. Labour hire providers must submit their application before 26 November 2021, to allow time for application processing requirements. Compliance enforcement action will commence on 27 November, with those without a licence risking regulatory action.

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