LNP challenged to stand up for workers and help end labour hire rorts

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace is challenging the LNP to stand up for vulnerable workers by supporting the Palaszczuk Government’s proposed labour hire licensing scheme in State Parliament this week.

Ms Grace said the government’s proposed reforms aimed to tackle the widespread labour hire rorting and worker exploitation which has flourished under the watch of the federal Coalition government. 

“Despite clear evidence of labour hire rorts and worker rip-offs, Malcolm Turnbull’s government is refusing to act,” she said. 

“The federal coalition and their Queensland LNP colleagues are turning a blind eye to a litany of horror stories about worker exploitation in Queensland.

“Farm workers have been forced to work entire days harvesting produce without food or drink, without pay, as well as being forced to live in isolated transient accommodation. 

“These rorts aren’t confined to the agricultural sector and are being repeated in other sectors of the economy, which is why we need to act now.

“Ideally we’d like to see a national labour hire licensing scheme to end these abuses but with Malcom Turnbull missing in action on this issue, Queensland has no choice but to go it alone.

“The only way to put an end to this kind of appalling exploitation is through the introduction of a proper labour hire regulation scheme. 

"You need a licence to operate a real estate agency or to be a motor car dealer, so why shouldn’t you need a licence to run a labour hire firm?” 

Ms Grace said the government had consulted with key industry stakeholders and the majority supported the introduction of a licensing scheme. 

“They’re sick and tired of seeing workers outrageously exploited, and fed up with being undercut by shonky operators who flout the rules with impunity," she said.

“Our reforms aim to protect workers and restore a level playing field so that ethical operators can compete fairly, without imposing unnecessary red tape. 

“The new laws will be backed by stiff penalties and some offenders will be liable for criminal prosecution.”

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548