On 27 October 2016, the final report of the Victorian Inquiry into Labour Hire and Insecure Work, chaired by Corrs Consultant and RMIT Professor Anthony Forsyth, was tabled in State Parliament.
The report presents the Inquiry's findings of extensive exploitation of vulnerable workers, based on 700 written submissions and the evidence of more than 200 witnesses over 17 days of public hearings held around Victoria.
35 reform recommendations are presented to the Government in the report. Professor Forsyth commented:
"The key recommendations are for the establishment of a Victorian labour hire licensing scheme, to eradicate 'rogue' labour hire providers in the horticulture, meat processing and cleaning industries. I'm very pleased that the Government has already indicated it will act to introduce a licensing scheme."
The Victorian Inquiry follows increasing media reports over the last 18 months of underpayments, non-payment of tax and superannuation, and health and safety breaches across many industries.
Two federal parliamentary inquiries, three state government inquiries, and several investigations by the Fair Work Ombudsman have further highlighted these issues.
"More and more, businesses need to be aware of what's happening in their supply chain," Professor Forsyth says.
"It's essential that employers focus on compliance with awards and other workplace laws. Regulators are becoming more vigilant, and there are likely to be new regulatory requirements at federal and state level before long."
The Corrs Employment, Workplace and Safety Team will publish a more detailed article on the report of the Victorian Inquiry shortly.
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