Brief
Queensland deputy premier to receive strike‑breaking powers in workplace law overhaul
The reform package also includes a parliamentary inquiry into Labor's 2022 union‑policy review and a workers’ compensation scheme overhaul.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie announced on 14 October 2026 that he will be given powers to terminate protected industrial action under a government‑led overhaul of workplace laws.
What happened
The LNP government tabled a review of industrial relations law and the workers’ compensation scheme in parliament on Wednesday. The review, conducted by former WorkCover chair Glenn Ferguson and Industrial Relations Commissioner Gary Black, produced 104 recommendations. Bleijie said 75 recommendations were accepted in full, 14 in principle, six were noted and nine rejected. A bill to implement the LNP response is slated for introduction on Wednesday night.
What the reports add
The SMH report notes that the reforms aim to shift the balance “back in Queenslanders’ favour” and align the state with the national Fair Work Act. Bleijie claimed the changes would save small businesses $1.46 billion annually by preventing increases in workers’ compensation premiums. The article also mentions a fit‑and‑proper‑person test for union officials seeking right‑of‑entry powers.
What was said
Bleijie told parliament, “These reforms, accepted by the government for implementation, will begin to shift the balance back in Queenslanders’ favour, bringing us into line with other jurisdictions – including the national government with the Fair Work Act – while protecting important rights and entitlements for Queensland workers.” He added, “Queenslanders are used to these Labor scare campaigns, which have been proven time and time again to be false.” The deputy premier also warned of “pushback and misleading claims” from the Labor opposition and unions, which have previously accused him of a “blind agenda of ideology”.
How it came about
The overhaul follows a parliamentary inquiry into Labor’s 2022 attempts to curb the influence of LNP‑linked “red unions” and a review of the state’s union‑encouragement policy. Earlier this year, unions signalled they would take time to consider the proposed changes, expressing concern that amendments to the workers’ compensation scheme could make it harder for frontline staff to obtain support.
Key facts
- Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie will receive powers to terminate protected industrial action. (smh.com.au)
- The review produced 104 recommendations; 75 accepted in full, 14 in principle, six noted, nine rejected. (smh.com.au)
- Bleijie claims the reforms will save small businesses $1.46 billion annually. (smh.com.au)
- A fit‑and‑proper‑person test for union officials is included in the bill. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Qld industrial relations overhaul: Jarrod Bleijie to get strike-breaking powers under LNP’s workplace law reforms”
