Welcome to the April 2025 edition of LHA News
3 April 2025
Welcome to the April edition of LHA News.
In late March, LHA officers made unannounced visits to farms in the Yarra Valley and identified evidence of alleged unlicensed operation, licence fraud, and sub-standard worker accommodation provided by labour hire companies.
The visits were part of a coordinated day of action by members of the national Phoenix Taskforce, including LHA, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Each of these state and federal agencies has its own role to play in tackling illegal phoenix activity – with its own tools, approaches, regulatory remit and jurisdiction. We also have many shared goals in addressing unlawful behaviour, non-compliance and harm.
LHA is able to take action in unique and effective ways to address issues. We can refuse or cancel labour hire licences to stop non-compliant businesses from operating in Victoria, and contraventions of labour hire law carry significant penalties. LHA also assists other agencies in their own compliance action, through collaboration and information sharing.
This day of action highlights both the benefits of regulatory collaboration and the unique value of LHA in protecting workers and improving the integrity of the labour hire industry.
Elsewhere in this edition, read about upcoming changes for the security industry, and how companies can find the right advice to protect their business.
We hope you enjoy this edition.
Steve Dargavel
Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner
In this Edition
- Alleged non-compliance identified at Yarra Valley farms in multi-agency day of action
- Important changes for the security industry come into effect in June
- Protect your business: The importance of choosing the right adviser
- LHA payment methods have recently changed for all transactions
- LHA’s engagement activities in April include a webinar for accountants and tax agents
- Details of all providers subject to licensing action in February 2025
Licensing update
March 2025:
- 98 Licence applications submitted
- 47 Licence renewals granted
- 53 Licences granted
- 53 Licences refused or cancelled
Resources
- Business Victoria hold a range of webinars and workshops to help you build your business. For more information or to register for an event in your area, visit the Business Victoria website.