Victoria tightens rules on labour hire firms' housing for migrant workers

The Victorian Labour Hire Authority has added licence conditions aimed at curbing poor accommodation for migrant labour hire workers, with non-compliance potentially leading to licence loss and fines over $160,000. The crackdown focuses on sectors such as horticulture, meat and poultry processing, commercial cleaning and security, where exploitation is common. The authority cited a December 2025 inspection in Warragul that revealed sewage pooling and extensive black mould in a home housing 22 migrants.

Erin Barlow, director of intelligence, compliance and enforcement, said the changes seek to protect workers who fear losing both job and housing if they complain. Migrant Justice Institute co-executive Bassina Farbenblum welcomed the policy but called for rigorous enforcement, hoping other states will follow. The Victorian Farmers Federation’s horticulture president Michael Crisera supported the initiative, urging education for both providers and workers to ensure a win-win outcome.