Why the duty sits on you, not just them
Victoria's labour-hire scheme is deliberately two-sided. The provider commits an offence by supplying workers without a licence, and the host commits a separate offence by engaging a provider that isn't licensed. Substantial penalties apply to both. Saying you assumed they were licensed is not a defence — the register is public and free.
How to check, in about two minutes
- 1Go to the Labour Hire Authority's website (labourhireauthority.vic.gov.au) and open the public register of licensed providers.
- 2Search by the provider's ABN rather than their trading name — trading names are inconsistent, ABNs aren't.
- 3Confirm the licensed entity matches the entity that will actually invoice you. A licence held by a related company is not a licence held by the one on your contract.
- 4Check the licence status is current and note the expiry date.
- 5Save a screenshot or PDF of the register entry with the date you checked it.
Record the check against the supplier in your own system, with the date. If it's ever questioned, the record is what you'll be asked for.
What to check beyond the licence
The labour-hire licence is the legal gate, not the whole assessment. Before you put someone's electricians on your site, also confirm:
- WorkCover (workers' compensation) cover is current — ask for the certificate of currency
- Public liability insurance, with the sum insured and the expiry date
- How they verify each electrician's Victorian A-Grade licence, and how often
- How ticket expiries are tracked — an expired LV rescue on your site is your problem too
- How right-to-work is checked
- What happens when a worker doesn't turn up
If a provider isn't on the register
Don't engage them, and don't accept an explanation that the application is 'in progress' unless you have verified their status directly with the Authority — the scheme has specific rules about applicants, and you should not be guessing at them. If you're already engaged with a provider you now believe is unlicensed, get advice promptly rather than letting the arrangement continue.
Interstate work
Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT each run their own labour-hire licensing schemes, and they are not the same scheme. A licence in one state does not automatically permit supply in another. If your project crosses a border, check each jurisdiction separately.