Marcico Pty Ltd has been fined $60,000 for providing labour hire services to a Bowen farm without a licence.
At a hearing in the Bowen Magistrates Court today, Marcico was found guilty of breaches under the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 (the LHL Act).
The prosecution told the court the offence was particularly sinister as the defendant was fully aware of the licensing requirements having twice made an application.
The company was also specifically advised not to provide labour hire services whilst its application for a licence was being processed.
Investigations by the Labour Hire Licensing Unit revealed Marcico’s conduct in breaching the law was ongoing and resulted in a significant turnover for the business.
The offending occurred between 22 November and 19 December 2019 when Marcico provided workers for a fruit and vegetable farm in Bowen. At the time, it did not hold a licence with its second application also refused in July 2020.
In sentencing, the Magistrate noted the defendant had openly flouted the law, which was intended to protect vulnerable workers.
The $60,000 fine is significant and serves as a stark reminder that those businesses who try to exploit labour hire workers risk facing the full brunt of the law.
For more information on Queensland’s Labour Hire Licensing Scheme go to www.labourhire.qld.gov.au.
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Media contact: oirmedia@oir.qld.gov.au or 0478 33 22 00.