If your business uses labour hire workers, or you provide them to another business, it is important to be aware of recent changes to South Australia’s labour hire licensing laws.
Before 29 January 2026, the laws applied only to providers in the horticulture, meat and seafood processing, cleaning and trolley collection industries.
Now, all labour hire providers must become licensed. A 6-month grace period applies for newly affected industries to undertake requirements and become licensed by 29 July 2026.
Broadening the laws also extends protections to more labour hire workers and there are strong penalties for breaches.
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) advises applicants should allow at least 6 weeks for the application process. You can read more about the legal requirements that apply to labour hire providers and users on the Consumer and Business Services (CBS) website.
Businesses using labour hire services must also check their providers operating in SA are licensed on the CBS Public Register from 29 July 2026.
For application purposes, licences obtained elsewhere will be accepted as evidence of meeting business knowledge requirements only. An application for a licence must be made in South Australia.
Labour hire providers, hosts and workers can check requirements during this transition on the SA.GOV.AU website. You can also lodge applications, check for unlicensed operators and report them.
If you have further questions, contact CBS on 131 882 or email occupational@sa.gov.au.
