Businesses using labour supply

A labour hire arrangement is one where a labour hire business or agency provides labour (workers) to you, the host employer. The labour hire business is ultimately the employer and responsible for the worker’s remuneration and therefore their work injury insurance.

However, as a host employer you may have obligations to cooperate in enabling a worker’s return to suitable employment. These obligations apply where a host employer is using labour hire workers as defined in the Act.

You will be required to provide the name/s of the labour supply businesses you have used, their ABN and the total contract amount paid to each business during the previous financial year when completing your employer remuneration return.

Where can I find out more?

Labour hire can be a complex subject, so we have prepared some questions and answers, as well as a fact sheet, for host employers- external site and labour hire businesses- external site to answer commonly asked questions.

Employer lookup

To check if the business you have engaged is registered with ReturnToWorkSA, use our employer lookup- external site tool. Alternatively, to search for companies that have a labour hire licence, please use the licence number search tool on the Consumer and Business Services website.

The information you provide assists us in targeting those labour hire businesses which are not doing the right thing. If you are having difficulties finding a match, email premium@rtwsa.com- external site or call us on 13 18 55 between 8:30am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Labour hire licensing reforms: What this means for your business

From 29 January 2026, South Australia's labour hire licensing laws apply across all industries. These changes clarify responsibilities, protect workers, and ensure everyone involved in labour hire understands and meets their legal obligations.

This section addresses what the changes mean and what action is needed, depending on your role.

What has changed?

Previously, labour hire licensing in South Australia only applied in a small number of industries. From 29 January 2026, the law now applies to all labour hire providers, regardless of industry.

There is a 6‑month transition period to allow newly captured providers time to apply for a licence. This transition period ends on 29 July 2026.

Important: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) recommends allowing at least six weeks for a licence application to be processed.

Updated definitions also mean that some businesses who do not think of themselves as labour hire providers may now fall within scope. It’s important to review your arrangements early so there are no surprises.

Where to find more information or help

• Check whether you need a licence, or verify a provider: SA.GOV.AU – Labour hire licensing.
• Contact Consumer and Business Services:
  • 131 882
  • occupational@cbs.sa.gov.au

Understanding your obligations now helps avoid disruption later, and supports safer, fairer workplaces for everyone.