Queensland industrial relations bill faces legal and business scrutiny before committee report

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Queensland IR bill scrutiny

Highlights

Queensland's industrial relations bill adopts 104 review recommendations, introducing expanded ministerial powers, new union representation rules, and a fit and proper person test.
The proposed bill raises the threshold for psychological injury claims by requiring work be the major contributing factor, drawing support from business but concern from legal and union groups.
Committee report due November 27 will determine the bill's future and impact on worker rights, employer powers, and claims processes across Queensland.

Committee review focuses on worker rights and minister powers

As reported by ABC News, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has introduced the legislation as part of the government's response to an independent review of industrial relations and the workers' compensation scheme, with 104 recommendations accepted. He says the proposed changes are reasonable, balanced and designed to protect workers, while also arguing they largely mirror the federal Fair Work framework introduced under Julia Gillard's government.

Maurice Blackburn rejects that comparison in a submission to the committee examining the bill, calling the package an ideologically driven attempt to revive settings associated with the Campbell Newman era. The law firm argues the proposal selects restrictive elements of federal law while omitting protective provisions and, in some areas, goes further than Commonwealth rules, and it says the bill should be abandoned or substantially reconsidered.

The legislation includes a fit and proper person test for union officials, allows workers to be represented by non-recognised union groups and permits a ballot on a proposal after agreement from one union. It also gives the deputy premier power to terminate protected industrial action in certain circumstances, a measure Bleijie says would be used only in very limited cases where safety, the economy or severe disruption is at risk.

Psychological injury threshold raises claims and dispute concerns

The bill also strengthens the test for psychological injury claims by requiring work to be the major contributing factor rather than a significant factor, following a substantial rise in claims in recent years. Business Chamber Queensland welcomes that direction but says the change should not create unnecessary barriers for workers with genuine injuries.

The Queensland Law Society says the bill does not define the phrase "the major contributing factor", warning that the omission could add unnecessary complexity to claim assessments and increase disputes between workers and insurers. The Queensland Council of Unions is also opposing the package, saying it could restrict workers' ability to exercise their rights and hand the minister of the day extraordinary power.

Public hearings are due to be held in Brisbane next week before the committee delivers its report on November 27. The outcome is likely to shape how far the government can recast labour rules in Queensland and how employers, unions and injured workers are affected across the state.

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