Latest News

Yarra Valley grower faces legal action / Nine criminal charges for labour hire director.

The legal action came in the same week as regulators hosted a forum for growers in Healesville, highlighting compliance issues in the region.

The nine charges carry a maximum combined penalty of over $250,000.

LHA is working with Victoria Police and other regulators to investigate the alleged contraventions of labour hire laws.

LHA uses information provided through the Report a Problem tool to inform compliance and enforcement activities.

New providers can register for information sessions to better understand their compliance obligations.

LHA highlights licensing actions each month, to increase industry transparency and to inform and assist businesses with compliance.

In action filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria, the Labour Hire Authority (LHA) alleges a Yarra Valley orchard sourced workers to pick and pack apples through an unlicensed company.

In the wake of a significant compliance operation by the Labour Hire Authority (LHA) in February, and a concerning 2025 report by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), the heads of the FWO and LHA held a forum with local growers, industry groups and labour hire companies on 17 March.

Charges filed for alleged false information / Underpriced contracts by large host businesses / Yarra Valley Labour Hire Forum

The unlicensed company allegedly supplied workers to two orchards to perform fruit picking and packing.

Some clients of MA Services Group paid contract rates too low for the company to cover the cost of wages, benefits and taxation at lawful rates.

Four foreign nationals have been arrested and bank accounts worth over $3.3m seized by Victoria Police.

Take a moment to check your business details and stay on top of your obligations.

The forum will be hosted by the heads of FWO and LHA in Healesville.

LHA highlights licensing actions each month, to increase industry transparency and to inform and assist businesses with compliance.

Construction provider has licence cancelled following arrests / Licence conditions applied after LHA investigates overcrowded accommodation.

BK Labour Hire’s licence was cancelled following joint action with Victoria Police’s Hawk Taskforce, as part of a continuing focus on the construction industry.

LHA inspections found Kyshan Pty Ltd was housing workers in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions across two properties.

Further changes to be implemented in 2026 include clarifying activities defined as ‘labour hire’.

LHA's regular webinars support new providers to better understand their licensing obligations.

LHA highlights licensing actions each month, to increase industry transparency and to inform and assist businesses with compliance.