The Andrews Labor Government is calling on the Turnbull Government to stop sitting on its hands and implement a national labor hire scheme.

In the absence of any national leadership, the Labor Government will implement a Victorian Labour Hire licensing scheme, as well as a range of changes to reform the labour hire sector.

However, we need a national approach to what is a national shame.

The Victorian Government has repeatedly called for action from the Turnbull Government, who seem willing to look the other way as new cases of abuse and exploitation come to light.

The Labor Government calls on the Turnbull Government to immediately:

• Implement a national Labour Hire licensing scheme
• Tighten provisions in the Fair Work Act that prohibit employers from misrepresenting direct employees as independent contractors
• Oppose recommendations of the Productivity Commission that seek to remove the right of Labour Hire employees to be covered by enterprise agreements
• Take action to prevent underpayment/non-payment of award rates, stop unlawful deductions from employees (eg. for accommodation) and sham contracting

The Turnbull Government has finally rescheduled a national meeting of Workplace Relations Ministers after cancelling in August last year. They previously did not believe there were any issues requiring discussion until now.

Minister Hutchins has written to the Federal Minister of Employment Michaela Cash about Labour Hire changes, but is yet to receive a response.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins

“The Victorian Government is playing its part in cracking down on dodgy labour hiring practices, but it’s vital that we also have a national approach.

“It’s time for the Turnbull Government to show some leadership and implement a national labour hire licensing scheme.”