Labour hire in Sydney and NSW plays a huge part in the construction industry; with the demand for skilled workers being so high and the supply of these workers being so low it is easy to understand why this sector of the industry is booming. Labour hire agencies can take the time and effort out of finding the skilled workers for your project, as well as dealing with the employment side and allowing companies not to be tied down to taking on permanent staff for different projects.

However in New South Wales there are no licensing laws around labour hire, although is this set to change some time in the future?

Which states have introduced labour hire licensing laws?

Last month Victoria were the third state to introduce new labour hire licensing laws here in Australia, following in the footsteps of Queensland and South Australia.

In Victoria to obtain a license under the new scheme a labour hire operator will need to:

• Pay a license fee.
• Pass a “fit and proper person test”.
• Demonstrate compliance with workplace, labour hire industry and migration laws and minimum accommodation standards.
• Be listed on a public register.

In addition to the above there will also be a requirement for any business using a labour hire service to ensure that they are only using licensed labour hire providers.

In Victoria the scheme will involve a new independent statutory authority, which will be headed by a commissioner, to oversee and enforce the scheme. This will then allow them to be able to inspect and raid premises under the new scheme.

The Victorian Chamber will be closely examining the proposed legislation to ensure that it’s impact on reputable and compliant labour hire operators and those companies that are using labour hire services, is minimised.

Will Sydney and New South Wales be next in line? What sort of impact could that have on the labour hire industry here in Sydney? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

At BriX Projects we are a skilled labour hire agency based in the heart of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. If you are looking for skilled workers for your next project, or are looking for long-term work in the construction industry in Sydney then contact us and one of our experienced team will be able to help. Call us on 1800 621 066 or submit an enquiry online.