Introduction of the labour hire licensing requirements in Queensland

Will this affect me and how?

Labour hire providers (Providers) will be required to hold a licence to provide labour hire services in Queensland.

To obtain a licence, an Applicant will need to be able to demonstrate that it is a “fit and proper person” to provide the services, and that its business is financially viable.  A Provider who offers labour hire services without a licence is liable for a fine of up to $126,044.60 or 3 years imprisonment (if an individual), or $365,700 (if a corporation).

Who is a provider?

A worker is a person who enters into an arrangement with a Provider, where the worker is supplied to do work for another party (the Provider user), and the Provider must pay the worker for that work.

The licence will impose a number of obligations on Providers, including complying with licence conditions, adhering to reporting requirement (including in relation to safety) and nominating an officer of the licence.

The licence may be suspended or cancelled in a number of circumstances.  Contravention of a condition of a licence and no longer being a fit and proper person are grounds for cancellation of a licence.

How will this affect users of the Providers?

Entering into an arrangement with a non-licensed Provider or an arrangement to circumvent or avoid an obligation imposed by the Bill will attract the same maximum penalties as those imposed on non-licensed Providers.

Companies who contract with Providers will therefore need to be mindful to ensure that all Providers hold the relevant licence.  The proposal is for all licensed Providers to be available on a public register, for companies to ensure compliance.