Security businesses operating in Victoria are encouraged to review upcoming changes to the state’s labour hire laws, including changes affecting labour supply arrangements from 1 October 2026.
SPAAL has received advice from the Victorian Labour Hire Authority outlining two developments relevant to the security industry.
Changes from 1 October 2026
From 1 October, the general definition of labour hire will be amended to focus more clearly on whether an arrangement has the character of labour supply.
The Labour Hire Authority advises that, in most cases, this will not change when a labour hire licence is required. However, it will make clearer that businesses require a licence to supply or on-supply labour anywhere within a supply chain.
This includes so-called “bare intermediary” businesses that do not directly employ labour hire workers but on-supply workers employed by other businesses.
The changes will also clarify that businesses sourcing workers from a labour hire company anywhere within a supply chain may have obligations as hosts.
Security businesses supplying security guards or crowd controllers in Victoria have generally been required to hold a labour hire licence since 2019.
Proposed changes affecting construction site security
A separate change is proposed for later in October.
Subject to the completion of regulatory consultation and publication of new regulations, the definition of labour hire is proposed to be broadened to cover certain construction activities in specific circumstances.
The Labour Hire Authority advises that this would include site security services on Victorian Government-funded construction projects with a total cost exceeding $50 million.
Other activities identified include traffic management, concreting and crane operating.
The proposed change would not alter the obligations of existing labour hire licence holders. A transitional period is expected to apply to businesses that become subject to licensing specifically because of the new construction-related provisions.
Importantly, that transitional period would not apply to businesses already required to hold a labour hire licence, including companies supplying security guards or crowd controllers in Victoria.
What should security providers consider?
The Labour Hire Authority has encouraged businesses to:
- consider how the revised general definition may affect their labour supply arrangements, particularly where intermediary businesses are involved;
- review supply chains and identify potential impacts on subcontractors and any obligations they may have as hosts;
- assess the potential implications of the proposed changes if working on relevant Victorian Government-funded construction projects; and
- where appropriate, begin preparing a labour hire licence application.
The Labour Hire Authority has advised SPAAL that further information will be provided once the changes take effect, including confirmation of the final scope of the laws, transitional arrangements and information sessions.
SPAAL will keep members informed as further details become available.
This information relates specifically to Victoria. Businesses should consider their individual circumstances and seek appropriate advice where required.