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During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the Labour Hire Authority has been engaging with the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, WorkSafe, Agricultural Victoria, and many other agencies to help provide support and guidance for vulnerable workers and businesses.

The Authority also continues to undertake licensing, education, compliance and enforcement activities during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the exploitation of workers and ensure fairness among labour hire providers. Over 120 providers have already lodged their annual reporting information and we are continuing to monitor compliance and requesting further information where required. We have also assessed over 3800 licence applications and cancelled 23 licences which can be viewed on the public register.

The Authority has also continued working with Victorian, interstate and Commonwealth agencies to monitor, identify and share information about noncompliance. This information helps the Authority use its compliance and enforcement powers efficiently and appropriately.

To help licensed providers collect the information and supporting documents needed to complete their annual reporting, the Authority has published an annual reporting guide and checklist.

For most providers annual reporting is short and simple. In developing the annual reporting process, the Authority considered feedback from the labour hire licence application process and made annual reporting more straightforward and easier to use.

Business tiers are set at labour hire licence application and can only be changed at licence renewal.

The Authority recognises the impact of coronavirus on labour hire hosts, providers and workers and the broader industry. While some providers are experiencing an increased demand for labour hire workers and an increased supply of workers looking for work, this has been a difficult time for providers who have lost business. We understand that some providers are frustrated by not being able to change their business tier.

There are currently no provisions in the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 or the Labour Hire Licensing Regulations 2018 that allow the Authority to adjust the business tier or fees set by the legislation and regulations.

Learn more about licence fees

Both farm businesses and labour hire providers have responsibilities for managing seasonal workers in horticulture. These are designed to protect regional communities and the businesses that operate in those communities.

New directions mean there are now some additional requirements for farm businesses and labour hire providers to help manage risks associated with coronavirus (COVID-19).

To help keep providers informed of the new directions, the Authority has written to relevant people and nominated officers for providers that have stated they supply workers to horticulture and agriculture.

Essential resources and guidance

• Fact sheet – Seasonal horticulture COVIDSafe requirements
• High Risk COVIDSafe Plan - Seasonal Horticulture
• Guidance – Industry Guidelines Seasonal Horticulture

The Victorian Government announced that from 11:59pm Tuesday 27 October 2020 some restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria are easing. Providers and hosts can use the helpful resources from government to meet their obligations and keep their colleagues and communities safe.

• Coronavirus.vic.gov.au
• Translated information about coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for your industry - WorkSafe
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) business information – Business Victoria