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New labour hire licensing laws capture all industries in SA

(28 April 2026)

All labour hire providers must now become licensed under changes to South Australia’s labour hire licensing laws which commenced 29 January 2026.

Previously, laws only applied to providers in the horticulture, meat and seafood processing, cleaning, and trolley collection industries.

A 6-month grace period is in effect for remaining labour hire providers to undertake requirements and become licensed by 29 July 2026. Consumer and Business Services advises applicants to allow at least 6 weeks for the application process.

The changes include updated definitions of labour hire services, labour hire workers, and suppliers.

Some businesses and organisations may not view themselves as labour hire providers but may now fall within scope under the updated definitions. It’s worth reviewing your arrangements to determine whether licensing applies.

If you are already licensed

There is no change for industries previously required to be licensed, so:

  • keep your licence
  • continue to meet its requirements.

Stronger protections for workers

Broadening the laws also extends protections to more labour hire workers and there are strong penalties for breaches.

Identifiable licensees help SA and Commonwealth laws and authorities protect workers from exploitation, supporting fair pay and conditions, even for those who are on-hired.

It also means all labour hire providers must operate to a single standard - meeting licensing criteria, such as police checks and fit and proper assessments.

If you use labour hire

Businesses using temporary workers from labour hire providers must ensure the provider is licensed in South Australia. Businesses that use unlicensed providers risk significant penalties.

Businesses can check their labour hire providers are licensed or report them at SA.GOV.AU.

What to do now

  • Review your current operations. Determine whether your business provides or engages labour hire services that fall under the expanded scope.
  • Audit your supplier relationships. If you engage labour hire providers, review their licence status and prepare to verify compliance once they must be licensed on 29 July 2026.
  • Update your onboarding processes. Consider adding licence verification steps to your supplier onboarding procedures. This includes requesting licence numbers, provider contact details, and responsible person details before engaging a supplier.

By understanding these requirements now, you can position your organisation to remain compliant and competitive as labour hire requirements transition.

Check your need to be licensed, a host or worker at SA.GOV.AU.

Further questions can be directed to CBS on 131 882 or occupational@cbs.sa.gov.au.

Detailed information on these reforms is available on the CBS webpage as well as on our website.