It’s late on a Thursday night. You’ve just learned your weekend pharmacist has fallen ill, and you need a locum — fast. You jump online, scan a few forums, and consider reaching out to a “friend of a friend” who knows someone available. But before you hit send, there’s a question worth asking:Is this locum arrangement actually compliant?
For pharmacy owners and managers across Australia, ensuring your staffing arrangements meet legal labour hire requirements is no longer just a matter of good business — it’s a matter of compliance.
Understanding Labour Hire Licensing in Pharmacy
Labour hire licensing was introduced to protect both workers and businesses from exploitation and risk. In the pharmacy industry, these regulations ensure that every locum pharmacist engaged through an agency is covered by appropriate employment, tax, and safety obligations.
Currently, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory are the only jurisdictions that require recruitment and staffing agencies to be Registered Labour Hire Providers. This means that any agency supplying locum pharmacists in these regions must be licensed by the respective state or territory government.
For pharmacies, this isn’t a suggestion — it’s the law. Engaging an unlicensed provider (or sourcing locums through informal channels like social media) can expose your business to significant compliance, financial, and reputational risks.
What It Means to Work with Raven’s Recruitment
Raven’s Recruitment is proud to be a Registered Labour Hire Provider with the:
This accreditation isn’t just a badge — it’s a commitment to compliance, professionalism, and trust. It allows Raven’s to legally and confidently operate as a labour hire provider within these regulated jurisdictions, ensuring peace of mind for both pharmacies and pharmacists alike.
When you partner with Raven’s Recruitment, you can rest assured that:
Every locum pharmacist is vetted, qualified, and AHPRA-registered.
All payroll, superannuation, and WorkCover obligations are managed correctly.
Your business remains fully compliant with state-based labour hire legislation.
You’re dealing with an agency that values transparency, ethics, and accountability.
The Hidden Risks of Unlicensed Labour Hire
Finding locum pharmacists through social media or unregistered agencies might seem quick and convenient — until something goes wrong.
Without proper licensing, there’s no guarantee of compliance with workplace or taxation laws. Pharmacies could inadvertently become responsible for unpaid super, incorrect PAYG, or even breach labour hire legislation. More critically, there’s no formal oversight or protection if a dispute arises.
By contrast, working with a registered provider like Raven’s Recruitment ensures your locum staffing arrangements are not only smooth but fully compliant — every time.
Why Compliance Builds Trust in Pharmacy Staffing
In a profession built on accuracy and accountability, compliance isn’t optional — it’s foundational. Pharmacies that choose to partner with licensed labour hire providers demonstrate a commitment to quality, fairness, and the safety of both their staff and patients.
At Raven’s Recruitment, compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about building trust and reliability across the pharmacy network. Whether you need short-term locum cover or long-term workforce solutions, we’re here to make the process seamless, transparent, and stress-free.
Supporting Australia’s Pharmacy Workforce — The Right Way
Raven’s Recruitment has supported Australian pharmacies for over three decades, connecting qualified pharmacists with roles that align with their professional goals and values. As a Registered Labour Hire Provider, we take pride in helping pharmacies maintain compliance while fostering rewarding, ethical employment relationships.
So, next time you need locum support — ask yourself: Is your agency registered, or are you taking a compliance risk you can’t afford?
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