Site requirement
General construction induction card (white card) to work on construction sites
Source: WorkSafe Queensland: General construction induction (white card) (retrieved 6 October 2026)
Employer guide
Hire a Civil Labourer in Australia
To hire a civil labourer, confirm the white card, decide which tickets the tasks need and explain the site conditions and award clearly. CrossNation recruits civil labourers for employers across Australia. The fee is 12% of the annual salary, charged only on a successful placement.
By CrossNation Editorial Team. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
12% of annual salary
Charged only when a placement succeeds. No placement, no fee.
90-day placement guarantee
See our terms.
Official data
Key facts from official sources
Modern award
Building and Construction General On-site Award [MA000020], or an enterprise agreement
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: List of awards (retrieved 6 October 2026)
Pay check
Fair Work Pay Calculator shows the minimum rate for an award and level
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman: Pay Calculator (retrieved 6 October 2026)
What you need to know
What should you verify before site access?
Everyone working on a construction site needs a general construction induction card (white card). Ask to see it, check the holder's name and record the check. Then decide which tickets the tasks require: traffic control needs a separate state-issued ticket, and working at heights, confined space or elevated work platforms depend on the job. Add your site induction, personal protective equipment and any pre-employment medical and drug and alcohol testing. Document these checks for each worker.
How do you write a civil labourer brief?
Describe the project type: roads, drainage, pipelines, earthworks or concreting, the location and the start of day. State the physical demands, the weather conditions, the crew and the progression pathway, for example into plant operator, pipelayer or traffic controller roles. Note whether you supply PPE and transport between the depot and site. Workers in these roles look for stability, clear hours and the chance to learn machinery, so say what you offer. A specific brief helps a recruiter match reliable people.
Which award or agreement sets pay?
Civil and building labourers are commonly covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award [MA000020] or an enterprise agreement, with rules on overtime, allowances and leave. Regional projects may involve travel and accommodation allowances, and wet weather can affect hours, so explain how these are handled. We do not publish pay figures here. Confirm the instrument, set the classification and cost the role using the Fair Work Pay Calculator, including penalty rates and allowances for the roster you need.
How do you set a civil labourer up to succeed?
Start with a site induction that covers traffic management, plant and pedestrian separation, trenching and excavation hazards and emergency arrangements. Explain who directs the crew, how the day starts and what PPE is supplied. Give the new starter a clear first task and a mentor, and explain how they can move into operating plant, pipelaying or traffic control with training. Pay and roster details, including wet weather, should be in writing before day one. Reliable, well-briefed labourers tend to stay and grow.
Before you brief a recruiter: civil labourer checklist
Checklist
- Sight the white card and record the check
- Decide which tickets each task needs, including traffic control
- Plan site induction, PPE, medical and drug and alcohol testing
- Describe the project, crew, weather and progression pathway
- Confirm the award or agreement and classification
- State how wet weather, travel and accommodation are handled
Tell us the role, location and start date
The fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, charged only when a placement succeeds.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can someone start before getting a white card?
They cannot work on a construction site without one. The card is issued after training with an approved provider.
Do labourers need a trade qualification?
Not for entry-level roles. Tickets and training can be added as the person takes on more complex tasks.
What happens in wet weather?
It depends on the award or agreement and the project. State how lost time is treated in the contract.
How does CrossNation charge to recruit a civil labourer?
The fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, charged only when a placement succeeds, and placements carry a 90-day placement guarantee. There is no charge to send a brief. CrossNation recruits civil labourers for employers across Australia, and you can send the role, location and start date through the employer enquiry form.
Can I recruit an overseas civil labourer through CrossNation?
CrossNation recruits sponsorship-ready overseas candidates for employers that want them. A white card is a site safety requirement separate from any visa, and labourer roles are generally not on skilled occupation lists. The employer holds or obtains its own approval, and CrossNation cannot promise a visa, an approval or a job. This is general information, not migration advice. Speak to a registered migration agent.
What should I verify before I offer a civil labourer the job?
Civil labourers need a white card. Traffic control and other tasks need separate state tickets. For a civil labourer, the award that commonly applies is the Building and Construction General On-site Award (MA000020), but coverage depends on your industry and the person's duties, so confirm it with the Fair Work Ombudsman before you set the offer. Keep a copy of any licence, registration or check you sight for your civil labourer, and confirm their right to work in Australia before they start.