Victoria’s Labour Hire Authority has taken legal action against a labour hire business and its director, alleging that it supplied and advertised unlicensed labour hire services.

Documents filed by the LHA in the Supreme Court of Victoria allege that Mountain Harvesting received more than AUD 2 million (USD 1.25 million) from horticultural companies by illegally supplying 111 labour hire workers.

The LHA also alleged that Mountain Harvesting and its director, Hom Dawadi, published more than 40 Facebook advertisements over several years, seeking contract workers for horticultural roles.

Mountain Harvesting did not hold a licence during the period it allegedly supplied and advertised labour hire services, LHA Licensing Commissioner Steve Dargavel said in a statement.

“Ensuring labour hire companies are licensed is essential to protect workers and improve the integrity and transparency of the industry,” Dargavel added.

“If you think you can flout Victorian law and profit off the backs of vulnerable labour hire workers, think again.”

LHA oversees Victoria’s labour hire licensing scheme, which was introduced following findings of widespread exploitation and unlawful activity in the industry.

Under Victoria’s Labour Hire Licensing Act, penalties for using or providing unlicensed labour hire services can exceed AUD 630,000 for corporations and AUD 150,000 for individuals. Fines for advertising unlicensed labour hire services exceed AUD 145,000 for companies and AUD 35,000 for individuals, the LHA said.