The Labour Hire Authority (LHA) launched legal action against a Queensland-based business, alleging it advertised labour hire services in Victoria while unlicensed.

LHA alleges that Gobally Talent Group published several advertisements on Facebook in February and March 2024, representing that it provides, or is willing to provide, workers to pick grapes in Mildura and procure their accommodation.

Gobally Talent Group also allegedly placed advertisements on its website representing that it provides or is willing to provide meat processing workers to businesses in Stawell, Horsham and the Grampians.

LHA alleges that Gobally Talent Group did not hold a labour hire licence when the advertisements were published, and that its director, Sheng-Yao Ho, was knowingly concerned in or a party to the contravention.

“Ensuring labour hire companies are licensed is essential to protect workers and improve the integrity and transparency of the industry,” Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner, Steve Dargavel said in a press release.

“Labour hire workers in horticulture and meat processing have historically been subject to significant exploitation, so any company that advertises to provide these workers should expect scrutiny from our investigators,” he added.

Under the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 (Vic), it is unlawful for individuals or organisations without a licence to advertise labour hire services in Victoria or hold themselves out to be a labour hire provider. Penalties exceeding AUD 35,000 (USD 23,529) for an individual and AUD 145,000 (USD 97,479) for a corporation apply.

“More significant penalties apply for engaging an unlicensed labour hire provider, so businesses should always check the licence status on the LHA website,” said Dargavel.

Gobally Talent Group subsequently applied for a Victorian labour hire licence in April 2024, after the advertisements were allegedly published. Its licence application was refused.