Labour hire workers in the ACT are to receive the same workplace standards as other workers under new legislation passed by the Legislative Assembly.
Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety, Mick Gentleman said the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2020 was ready to become law requiring labour hire providers to meet their workplace obligations.
“The new licensing scheme will require all ACT labour hire providers to hold a licence and demonstrate ongoing compliance with industry standards and workplace laws,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Labour Hire Licences will encourage responsible employment practices and recognise legitimate providers,” he said.
Mr Gentleman said the Scheme would be administered by WorkSafe ACT, which would issue licences and conduct compliance activities.
Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius, who is to take up the mantle of Labour Hire Licence Commissioner, said the new Scheme was a significant step towards improving working conditions for labour hire workers in the Territory.
“The new Labour Hire Licence gives workers the confidence that they are employed by a licensed provider who treats their workers properly,” Ms Agius said.
“Labour hire providers will have six months to apply for and obtain their licence,” she said.
Ms Agius said all labour hire providers who operated in the ACT would be required to hold a Licence by 27 November.
“On 27 November 2021, we will begin taking compliance and enforcement action against labour hire providers who are not licensed, and who are found not to be complying with workplace laws and standards,” the Commissioner said.
She said WorkSafe ACT would also introduce a publicly available licence register to enable businesses, workers, and the community to check if they were dealing with a licensed labour hire provider.
