Queensland Industrial Relations Overhaul: 104 Recommendations Made
Queensland's industrial relations laws are set for an overhaul with 104 recommendations made, 75 of which have been accepted by the state government. The proposed changes aim to improve workplace safety, competitiveness, and productivity.
A comprehensive review of Queensland's industrial relations laws has put forward 104 recommendations, with the state government accepting 75 of them in full. The proposed changes aim to improve workplace safety, competitiveness, and productivity.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie stated that Queenslanders deserve an industrial relations system that works for them, ensuring safety, competitive pay, and a productive workplace. The government has agreed to introduce a "fit and proper" test for union officials seeking to gain lawful right of entry powers on worksites.
"We are determined to turn around the culture of violence and intimidation with the construction sector that has been laid bare by the Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU," Mr Bleijie said.
He emphasized that the proposed changes will not affect workers' right to strike, and the government will not stand by and allow unacceptable behavior to continue on worksites.
"We will not stand by and allow it to continue," he told state parliament.
The review, led by Glenn Ferguson AM, former Law Council of Australia president, and Gary Black, a former Commissioner in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, also recommended introducing appropriate protections for union whistleblowers, amending laws to ensure union officials represent only workers within their responsibilities, and publishing union rules.
The state government accepted in principle 14 further recommendations, noted six, and did not accept nine. A bill is set to be introduced on Wednesday evening to bring the state in line with other jurisdictions.
"These reforms are about fairness, productivity, resolving industrial relations issues in an efficient way that supports workers and provides an essential service," he told the House.
The review noted that it did not have the benefit of considering the outcomes and findings of the inquiry into the CFMEU, which was extended until December this year.