• Licensing information

To increase industry transparency and compliance, the Labour Hire Authority (LHA) will publish a monthly report listing the names of businesses subject to licensing action.

Each month’s Licensing Action Report – detailing the businesses with labour hire licences refused, cancelled, or with conditions imposed – will be distributed to LHA’s more than 11,000 e-news subscribers. 

“Using shady labour hire providers can expose a business and its workers to a range of risks, so it’s important that Victorian businesses know who they’re dealing with,” said Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner Steve Dargavel.

“By highlighting when labour hire licences are refused or cancelled, we’re also helping businesses protect themselves against the significant penalties that apply for using unlicensed providers.”

The details of all licensed labour hire providers, along with licensing actions, can also be accessed via LHA’s Labour Hire Licence Register which is publicly accessible and updated daily.

Overview of licensing actions in April 2024

LHA’s first monthly report highlights that 40 licences were refused or cancelled during April 2024, for non-compliance with obligations under the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 (Vic), and other relevant laws.

Under the Act, penalties for using or providing unlicensed labour hire services may exceed:

• $600,000 for a corporation
• $150,000 for an individual.

It is also unlawful to advertise labour hire services in Victoria without a labour hire licence.

Conditions were imposed on the licences of three providers in April. A failure to comply with these conditions may lead to licence cancellation or penalties exceeding $150,000 for a corporation.

During the month, 145 applicants had a licence granted or renewed, enabling them to lawfully provide labour hire services in Victoria.

Compliance with legal obligations

Licensed labour hire providers that do not comply with their legal obligations may have their licence cancelled, suspended, or have conditions imposed.

Unless LHA is satisfied that an applicant meets the licensing criteria – including that relevant persons are compliant with their legal obligations and are fit and proper persons – their application may be refused.

Publishing details of licensing decisions are part of LHA's statutory functions, which include:

• promoting compliance with the Act
• disseminating information about the duties, rights, and obligations of persons under the Act
• maintaining the Register of Licensed Labour Hire Providers.

Businesses should use the tools on the LHA website to ensure providers have a valid licence:

• Check a provider is licensed using LHA’s Labour Hire Licence Register.
• Stay up to date on any changes to a provider’s licence status using Follow my Providers.
• Report any suspected non-compliant or unlawful activity using the Report a Problem tool.

Licensing Action Report

April 2024

• Licences with conditions imposed: 3
• Licences refused: 8
• Licences cancelled: 32