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Industrial Relations Bill recognises challenges for labour hire sector

The Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2021, to be debated in Parliament this week, recognises the challenges that the labour hire industry is facing in the wake of COVID-19.

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The Victorian Chamber has been engaged with our members in the sector over the better part of a year and this has informed our advocacy to government around the legislative change that is needed to alleviate the pressure in this industry.

If passed, the Bill will update the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 so that it:

  • permits all businesses to move between tiers of licencing fees if they meet extenuating circumstances based on actual turnover in the past 12 months and;
  • allows licence fee offsets, waivers or refunds to businesses in special circumstances

Further amendments in the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 will see changes to the Long Service Benefits Portability Act 2018, to extend the ability for employers to seek reimbursement for payments made under the Victorian Long Service Leave Act or a common law contract and not just those made under a federal award or agreement.

To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Chief Executive Paul Guerra:

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on many industries including labour hire. Labour hire companies were being charged licencing fees based on their pre-COVID-19 turnover which had drastically reduced or even disappeared altogether in some cases.

“The changes to the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 in the IR Bill will mean that labour hire companies will pay licence fees reflective of their turnover in the past 12 months, rather than pre-pandemic levels which is likely to save some businesses from closure and many from financial hardship.

“The changes to long service leave arrangements will make the system fairer and more transparent for all Victorians; employees and employers alike.”

Media contacts

  • Chanelle Pearson: 0423 883 945
  • Ellana Katos: 0400 976 889

Email: media@victorianchamber.com.au

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