LABOUR HIRE PLEDGE WELCOMED

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, has welcomed a promise by the NSW Government to introduce labour hire regulation laws, if the government is returned to office next year. 

Dr McGirr, who is Chair of the NSW Parliament’s Modern Slavery Committee, says the promised laws could be crucial in reforming a system that has enabled the exploitation of workers in the state. 

“Modern slavery is an appalling abuse of human rights and NSW has lagged behind for too long in addressing this serious problem,” he said. 

“But while the details of the government’s proposed laws are still to be released, I am heartened that the government has made a pre-election commitment to right a historic wrong. 

“Labour hire reform is not only the morally right thing to do by workers who come here to perform critical jobs, but it is also important to the economy and the stability of the workforce and will provide security to the majority of employers who do the right thing. 

“During our committee inquiry, we heard alarming stories of a minority of unscrupulous employers ripping off vulnerable workers and subjecting them to conditions that would clearly be unacceptable to the wider workforce. 

“We called for a labour hire licensing scheme to protect workers and employers, and I am pleased that the government has heeded those calls and will move ahead if re-elected in March next year.” 

Under the proposed scheme, host employers must only use the services of a registered labour hire provider, with appropriate education for businesses to ensure compliance with a new scheme and penalties for non-compliance. 

Dr McGirr urged all political and parties and candidates for the March 2027 election to make a similar commitment so that no matter who wins government, labour hire reform will become a reality. 

“Labour licensing presents an opportunity for landmark reform in NSW, and I would like to thank my fellow committee members, parliamentary supporters – notably, members of the new all-party Parliamentary Friendship Group Against Modern Slavery - the Modern Slavery Commissioner, unions, and employers for working so hard to progress this important issue,” he said. 

“I would also like to make a special acknowledgement to courageous workers who shared their stories with the committee. 

“It is not too late to make an enormous difference to labour hire practices, and I look forward to working with all parties in support of reform that is fair, effective and good for the future of NSW.”