Labour hire company and four farms face more than $3 million in fines

The Victorian Labour Hire Authority is suing seven entities over alleged breaches of the state's labour hire laws, with potential fines totaling over $3.3 million for the labour hire company involved and four farms. Two labour hire company owners face fines of up to $160,000 each. The case has sparked calls for a national labour hire authority.

The Victorian Labour Hire Authority (LHA) is pursuing its largest case against farms accused of using unlicensed labour hire companies. Seven entities, including a Swan Hill-based labour hire firm and four Victorian horticultural farms, are being prosecuted in the Victorian Supreme Court for alleged violations of the state's licensing laws.

The Labour Hire Authority became aware of the potential breaches after receiving information about Soo Soo Siong Pty Ltd allegedly paying workers below the legal minimum wage under the Horticulture Award. The company was found to be unlicensed between April 2023 and March 2024. During this period, Soo Soo Siong allegedly provided labour hire services to four farms, paying them approximately $750,000 over 11 months.

The investigation also alleged that a Malaysian national was held captive by Soo Soo Siong's owners for more than three years, with their name and passport used without consent to open a bank account and obtain a labour hire licence. LHA Commissioner Michelle Osborne emphasized the importance of labour hire licensing, stating that the case highlighted serious harm and financial risks to the industry.

The LHA hopes this targeted action will deter other farms from engaging with unlicensed companies. Meanwhile, a Yarra Valley orchard owner expressed frustration over unlicensed labour hire practices, warning that they undermine the industry's credibility. Citrus Australia's CEO echoed calls for a national labour hire licensing scheme, citing inconsistent regulation across states and the prevalence of opportunistic operators taking advantage of gaps in laws.