New laws mean users of all labour hire in South Australia must make sure their provider is licensed from 29 July 2026. There are some temporary exemptions.
On this page
Licensing changes in 2026
New laws mean all labour hire firms and workers across all industries are covered by the same laws. Providers of labour hire services in South Australia must have been licensed since 29 July 2026.
Certain industries had to become licensed before 29 July 2026. Temporary exemptions mean providers in industries recently requiring licences, whose applications were paid and accepted on or before 29 July 2026, can be used until their application is finalised.
If you request workers from an agent or intermediary you can expect that they’ll give you the details, and licence number, of the labour hire provider where they sourced the workers.
Requirements
Users of labour hire (hosts):
- must not enter into avoidance arrangements (on this page)
- should report labour hire providers that do the wrong thing
- may have their workplaces entered by inspectors.
Who needs a licence?
Details and examples are on who needs a licence.
Find a licensed labour hire provider
Hosts can make sure they are using a licensed provider with the licensed labour hire provider register.
If your provider is waiting for their licence application to be finalised, you can ask them for the email acknowledging their application.
If you use a labour hire provider who isn’t licensed after 29 July 2026, you risk significant penalties.
Avoidance arrangement
An avoidance arrangement is something designed to avoid your need to use a licensed labour hire provider or for a provider to be licensed.
It’s against the law if you know, or reasonably should have, that you entered into an avoidance arrangement.
If it’s reasonable that you be aware of any non-complying labour, you must report it.
How you can help workers
Users of labour hire have an important role to help maintain healthy and safe conditions for workers.
You can help limit unlicensed activity and exploitation of workers by:
- checking the labour hire provider register
- maintaining a list of all workers on your site
- understanding your responsibilities to labour hire workers
- checking contract prices to make sure labour costs can be covered under Awards and Agreements
- setting clear expectations that you expect the labour hire provider to act within workplace laws
- understanding subcontracting arrangements that may take place.
Report a problem
Report suspected licensing problems or email occupational@sa.gov.au.
Workplace inspections
Inspectors may enter a host’s workplace to check compliance of labour hire providers.
This is done in a way to try and cause minimal interruption to the business. In some situations, it may be necessary to enter workplaces without notice.
Contact CBS licensing
GPO Box 1719
Adelaide SA 5001
Email: occupational@sa.gov.au
Phone: 131 882 and press 4
Related information
On this site
Other websites
- Responsibilities to labour hire workers - Fair Work Ombudsman
- Contracting labour and supply chains - Fair Work Ombudsman
