OHS & WHS: QLD introduces new labour hire laws

Queensland has announced it will establish a mandatory labour hire-licensing scheme beginning in April to protect labour hire workers and safeguard labour hire providers that operate in an ethical and responsible manner.

According to Safe Work QLD under the scheme, all labour hire providers operating in the state will need to be licensed and must comply with the following:

  • passing a fit-and-proper person test
  • complying with workplace laws, including workers’ compensation, wages and superannuation
  • paying a licence fee
  • reporting regularly on their operations.

The scheme, says SafeWork QLD will be backed by stiff penalties and some offenders will be liable for criminal prosecution.

A new labour hire licensing website will also be published early in 2018 to provide information about the scheme including the rights and obligations for labour hire providers, users of labour hire and workers.

Labour hire providers will also be able to apply for or renew their licence, complete reports and pay fees via the website; users of labour hire and workers will be able check that a provider is licensed, lodge complaints and view compliance reports.

 

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