Professor Anthony Forsyth has been announced as the chair of the Andrews Labor Government’s inquiry into the labour hire industry and insecure work in Victoria.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing said the inquiry would investigate the practices of rogue labour hire companies, insecure work, sham contracting and the abuse of visas to avoid workplace laws and undermine minimum employment standards.

Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins has also released the Terms of Reference for the inquiry, available at www.economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/labourhireinquiry.

Professor Forsyth currently teaches labour law and legal research at the RMIT University Graduate School of Business and Law, and is a consultant with the Corrs Chambers Westgarth Workplace Relations Group.

Professor Forsyth also recently completed a study of the Fair Work Commission’s role in enterprise bargaining and has contributed to a study of workplace dispute resolution for the International Labour Organization.

Ms Shing said inquiry will release a discussion paper in the coming weeks, and is calling for submissions from interested parties. The inquiry will include extensive public consultation, including meetings in regional and metropolitan Victoria.

The inquiry is due to deliver its report on 31 July 2016.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations, Natalie Hutchins

“Unfortunately, we’re continuing to see allegations of the abuse of workers engaged by rogue labour hire companies. This inquiry will examine how the labour hire industry can be better regulated, and how the rights of workers can be better protected.”

“Most Victorian employers, from farmers to small business owners, are doing the right thing and treating their workers properly. They shouldn’t face an uneven playing field because of those doing the wrong thing.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“Every worker should be treated fairly and with respect, and local farmers and businesses doing the right thing shouldn’t be disadvantaged by competing with the few rogue operators who cut corners.”