• Legislation & regulations

With new labour hire legislation coming into effect on 1 June 2026, it’s never been more important for labour hire providers to ensure they’re getting the right advice.

The Labour Hire Authority (LHA) encourages providers to familiarise themselves with the changes to labour hire law, and to understand what they mean for the business and its relevant persons.

The changes include a stronger ‘fit and proper person’ test, expanded requirements around compliance with workplace laws, and a new financial viability test.

To assess for these new requirements, LHA will collect new information through licence applications, and through transactions such as annual reports and renewals.

On 1 June 2026, new forms will launch in the Labour Hire Licensing Online (LHLO) portal to reflect these new requirements. Licence holders and applicants who submit transactions prior to 1 June may need to provide further information to ensure they meet the requirements that take effect from that date.

For more information on these changes, visit Labour hire law changes 2026.

Protect your business – seek independent advice

LHA strongly encourages providers to seek independent advice on the changes to avoid any issues with licence applications or renewals, or ongoing compliance.

Professional advice protects providers from the significant risks around non-compliance, and represents a good business investment.

Advice may be sought from professionals such as accountants for financial matters and lawyers for legal advice.

As a provider, it is important to have a basic working understanding of key obligations for running a labour hire business, including new obligations being implemented this year.

It is equally as important to understand what to look for when choosing a business adviser and to know what tools and resources are available.

Some providers have been let down by business advisers, including accountants, who lack expertise in labour hire law and workplace relations.

When selecting a business adviser:

• check they have appropriate licences and registrations for their profession
• look for strong experience in labour hire law and workplace relations, including understanding new labour hire legislation requirements and impacts
• ensure they are providing advice tailored to your circumstances, not just generic templates
• get multiple quotes to understand the costs – the cheapest may not be the best.

LHA often sees work produced by business advisers when assessing compliance with workplace and other laws.

Appropriately qualified advisers will often provide sound advice – supporting applicants and licensees to meet their obligations under the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 (Vic).

Unfortunately, not all work by advisers is sound, and this can lead to problems for applicants and licensees in their dealings with LHA and other regulators.

Tools and resources

There are several free tools available for business owners to assist them in running a compliant business. Providers should ensure they only use resources from reputable sources – Australian and Victorian Government websites are more likely to provide accurate and up-to-date information.

Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO)

The FWO provides support, advice and information for employers on employee entitlements and relevant Awards. Use the ‘Find my Award’ tool to find the relevant award for an industry and job title. Visit the FWO website to access the tool.

Registered employer associations

Registered employer associations are often able to provide reliable advice where resourced to do so. A list of registered organisations is available on the Fair Work Commission website.

Legal advice

There may be instances where legal advice is required to ensure a business is meeting legal obligations. The Law Institute of Victoria provides information on how to find the right legal advice for your business. Visit the Law Institute of Victoria website.