The ACT Government has cracked down on Labour Hire in the Territory with new laws offering better protection for workers.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety, Suzanne Orr said the Legislative Assembly had passed the Labour Hire Licensing Bill to help protect workers in unstable employment, while rewarding businesses that did the right thing.
“The ACT’s Labour Hire Licensing Scheme will require labour hire providers to apply for a licence, meet a ‘suitable person’ test and demonstrate a history of ongoing compliance with industry standards and workplace laws,” Ms Orr said.
“We know that workers in unstable employment are particularly prone to poor working conditions,” she said.
“That is why this Bill is so crucial and why it has been designed to ensure all workers enjoy the same rights.”
Ms Orr said businesses would also be given time to prepare, acknowledging the effects of COVID-19 on the local economy.
“The scheme will include a six-month transition period commencing on 1 January 2021, similar to what has been provided in other jurisdictions,” she said.
“This will allow businesses time to prepare and for economic activity to resume throughout the city.”
She said that during the six-month transition period penalties under the new scheme would not apply, so that labour hire providers without a licence would have time to comply with the new regulatory framework.
