First Labour Hire Inquiry Hearings Open In Mildura

Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins has welcomed the first hearings of the Victorian Inquiry into Labour Hire and Insecure Employment, which began in Mildura today.

The inquiry, chaired by RMIT Law Professor Anthony Forsyth, is investigating the practices of labour hire companies, insecure work, sham contracts and the abuse of visas.

Ms Hutchins said that allegations of labour hire companies  exploiting workers had prompted the Andrews Labor Government  to launch the independent inquiry.

Workers, employers, owners of labour hire agencies and people from across the community are urged to participate.

The first hearing, held today and tomorrow, will be at the Mildura Information Centre, with hearings to follow in Dandenong, Geelong, Shepparton, Morwell, Melton and Melbourne.

All  hearings are open to the public and anyone wishing to make a statement can do so. Written submissions to the inquiry are also welcomed.

Local hearing dates, the terms of reference and more information about the Inquiry can be found at www.economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/labourhireinquiry.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins

 “The Andrews Labor Government launched this inquiry to get to the bottom of allegations that some labour hire operators were exploiting workers and avoiding their legal obligations.”

 “We are determined to ensure that workers are getting paid fairly, and working in a safe environment.”

 “It is great to see hearings getting underway in Mildura today so that workers, their families, employers, and labour hire providers can all have their say.”

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