The Andrews Labor Government has today announced widespread reforms to crack down on the exploitation of workers, including a new licensing scheme for the Labour Hire Industry.

The changes are in response to the Victorian Inquiry into the Labour Hire Industry and Insecure Work, with the Labor Government accepting 33 of the report’s 35 recommendations.

The overhaul of the industry includes:

• Setting up a licensing scheme and developing a code of conduct to regulate labour hire operators
• Making it unlawful for employers in regulated industries to use unlicensed labour hire firms
• Advocating for national licensing scheme for labour hire operators
• Increased OHS requirements and regulation of accommodation standards
• Amend the Equal Opportunity Act to ensure it applies to Labour Hire employees to prevent discrimination

The Parliamentary Inquiry was established by the Labor Government to examine widespread allegations of exploitation in the labour hire industry.

It found rogue operators underpaying workers, not ensuring proper safety standards, abusing worker visas and undermining the minimum standards of employment.

Work is now underway to implement the Labor Government’s response and it will include the development of legislation to ensure the appropriate regulation of the labour hire industry.

To read the full Inquiry report and Government’s response, visit:

http://economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/inquiry-into-the-labour-hire-industry

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins

“Professor Anthony Forsyth’s independent report added to the damming evidence about rogue operators  in the Labour Hire industry from unions, the community and 4 Corners.”

“We will take action to ensure labour hire workers are not treated as second class workers.”