Shorten promises to get tough on labour hire companies

Bill Shorten has promised to overhaul the labour hire sector to protect workers if Labor wins the next election.

Announcing the policy in Brisbane, Mr Shorten said he'd ensure a "fair deal" by tackling unfair labour hire, and cracking down on "dodgy labour hire companies".

Under the proposal, companies would need to be licensed and face stiff penalties, including having licences revoked, if they don't meet floor standards.

"Our policy is based on a simple principle," Mr Shorten said.

"If you are doing the same job, you should get the same pay.

"At the moment, there are too many workers subject to unfair labour hire practices, often treated like second class citizens with lower wages, worse conditions and no job security."

Labor, he said, would act to build a fair labour hire industry that helps meet business demands while protecting workers.

Legislation would include a national labour hire licensing scheme to guard workers against exploitation.

"All labour companies will be licensed," the Labor leader said.

Small and Family Business Minister Craig Laundy described the policy as "half-baked" said it would end up punishing workers.

He said the plan would mean workers could see their pay and conditions change every time they moved between employment.

"They'll have no say about their pay or benefits, and no ability to negotiate conditions," Mr Laundy said.