FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with HBG — whether you are a candidate looking for shifts or a client looking for workers.
For Candidates
Pay, Shifts & Getting Started
Common questions from workers and candidates about registration, pay, tickets, and availability.
How do I register with HBG?
You can register through our online Induction Portal. The process takes about 15 minutes and involves providing your personal details, uploading copies of your tickets, licences, and qualifications, and completing a brief compliance questionnaire. Once submitted, our team reviews your application — usually within one business day — and if everything checks out, you are added to our active candidate pool and eligible for immediate placement.
How do I get paid?
All HBG workers are paid weekly via our JWHB-managed payroll system. You submit your hours through a digital timesheet, which is approved by the site supervisor or client. Once approved, pay is processed and lands in your nominated bank account every week. Payslips are available digitally through the payroll portal. Super is paid on top of your hourly rate in accordance with current legislation.
What tickets and licences do I need?
At a minimum, you need a valid General Construction Induction Card (white card) for any construction site work. Depending on the role, you may also need a high-risk work licence (for rigging, scaffolding, dogging, crane operation, forklift, or elevated work platform operation), a traffic controller ticket, a working at heights certificate, or trade-specific qualifications such as a Certificate III. Our recruitment team will advise you on exactly what is required for each role.
How do I update my availability for shifts?
You can update your availability through the HBG Availability form on our website or by contacting your coordinator directly. Letting us know your preferred days, locations, and shift types means we can match you to the right jobs faster. We recommend updating your availability every week, especially if your schedule changes.
Can I be placed in a permanent role through HBG?
Yes. Many of our labour hire placements lead to permanent offers from the host employer. If you perform well on site, the client may choose to convert you to a permanent employee. We also have a dedicated permanent recruitment division that fills roles across construction, manufacturing, logistics, real estate, and civil infrastructure. Let your recruiter know if you are interested in permanent opportunities.
What if I have an issue on site?
Contact your HBG coordinator immediately. We take workplace safety and wellbeing seriously. If it is a safety issue, you have the right to stop work and report the concern. For any disputes, pay queries, or general concerns, our team is available during business hours and our 1300 HBG 24/7 line is staffed for after-hours emergencies. We will work with the client to resolve any issue as quickly as possible.
Do I need my own PPE?
Most sites require you to bring your own basic PPE — steel-capped boots, high-visibility clothing, safety glasses, and a hard hat. Some sites provide specific PPE such as harnesses or respirators. Your HBG coordinator will confirm the PPE requirements before your first shift on any new site. If you are unsure, ask before you arrive.
For Clients
Rates, Deployment & Services
Answers for site managers, project managers, and procurement teams considering labour hire.
How quickly can you deploy workers to my site?
In most cases, we can have workers on your site within 24 hours of receiving a confirmed brief. For standard trades and general labourers in metro areas like Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth, same-day deployment is often possible if the request is received before midday. More specialist roles — such as licensed riggers, crane operators, or shot firers — may require 48 to 72 hours depending on availability and location.
What are your response times?
During business hours, we typically respond to phone calls immediately and return emails within one hour. For urgent labour hire requests, our coordination desk operates on a priority basis and can often confirm worker availability within two to four hours. After hours, calls to our 1300 HBG 24/7 line are directed to an on-call team member who can assist with urgent site requirements.
Do you operate nationally?
Yes. Harrison Barratt Group has offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Auckland. We hold active labour hire licences in New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia. Our Auckland office covers New Zealand operations. This means we can supply workers to projects anywhere in Australia or New Zealand under a single contract and consistent service model.
What industries do you cover?
We specialise in construction and civil infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics and warehousing, traffic management, mining and resources, and real estate development. Within these sectors we supply a wide range of trade categories including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, concreters, steel fixers, machine operators, traffic controllers, labourers, and many more.
What are your rates?
Our rates vary depending on the trade category, location, shift type, and project duration. We provide fully transparent rate cards that break down every component of the charge rate — including base pay, superannuation, leave provisions, workers compensation, and our margin. To receive a customised rate card for your project, submit a Rates and Information Request through our online form or contact our team directly.
How do I request workers?
There are three ways to request workers. You can call our free call number 1300 HBG 24/7 and speak with our coordination team directly. You can email your requirements to labourhire@harrisonbarratt.com.au with details of the trade, location, start date, and duration. Or you can submit a request through our online Client Availability form, which feeds directly into our scheduling system for the fastest turnaround.
What insurance coverage do you carry?
Harrison Barratt Group maintains $20 million public liability insurance, workers compensation insurance in every state we operate in, and professional indemnity coverage. Because all workers are HBG employees — not subcontractors or independent contractors — workers compensation claims are managed through our policy, not yours. We provide certificates of currency on request.
Can I convert a labour hire worker to permanent employment?
Yes, and many of our clients do. If a labour hire worker performs well on your site and you want to offer them a permanent role, we facilitate a temp-to-perm conversion. A transfer fee applies, which is typically based on the worker's tenure with HBG on your site — the longer they have been placed, the lower the fee. Speak to your account manager about our current temp-to-perm fee schedule.
Is there a minimum booking period or minimum hours requirement?
There is no minimum contract term — you can engage labour hire workers for a single day or for the duration of a multi-year project. Casual employees under the Building and Construction General On-site Award are entitled to a minimum engagement of four hours per shift. Beyond that, you only pay for hours worked. We do not charge cancellation fees provided we receive reasonable notice — typically before 6am on the day of the booking.
Compliance
Licensing, Insurance & Payroll
Questions about labour hire licensing, compliance obligations, and how our payroll works.
What labour hire licences does HBG hold?
HBG is a fully licensed labour hire provider in every state where licensing is mandatory. We hold licences in NSW (SLJ: 02939), QLD (LHL-05861-F7S5Z), VIC (VICLHL07487), WA (EA3008), and ACT (ACTLHL00000654). These licences are regulated by each state's labour hire licensing authority and require ongoing compliance with workplace health and safety laws, workers compensation obligations, and payroll regulations.
How does payroll and invoicing work?
All labour hire workers are paid through our JWHB-powered managed payroll platform. Workers submit digital timesheets which are sent to your nominated approver for sign-off. Once approved, pay runs are processed and workers are paid weekly. You receive a consolidated invoice for all approved hours, broken down by worker, site, and cost centre. There are no hidden charges.
Am I liable if my labour hire provider is non-compliant?
Potentially, yes. Host employers can face penalties for using unlicensed labour hire providers (in QLD, VIC, SA, and ACT), and can be held liable for underpaid super, sham contracting arrangements, and unsafe work practices. Under modern slavery and supply chain legislation, ignorance of your provider's practices is increasingly not accepted as a defence.
What is the difference between a compliant and non-compliant provider?
A compliant provider pays all statutory obligations in full and on time, holds the required licences, correctly classifies workers under the relevant Modern Awards and workers compensation schemes, and maintains transparent, auditable records. A non-compliant provider does some or none of these things — and passes the risk to you.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is available Monday to Friday during business hours, and our 1300 line is staffed 24/7 for urgent enquiries.