‘Safety as Industrial Weapon’ in Qld Govt’s Crosshairs

Newly anointed Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has announced the establishment of a productivity commission to “reverse the productivity purge”. 

The commission will be tasked with reviewing the state’s construction sector following revelations the Best Practice Industry Conditions practice was adding up to 30 per cent to the cost of major projects. 

According to Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki, new Treasury modelling had demonstrated productivity losses had created significant cost increases on major projects.

“Productivity underwrites prosperity and we must return it to Queensland to drive down costs across industry and around the kitchen table,” Janetzki said. 

“If we don’t reverse the productivity purge in Queensland, it is businesses and families who will pay the price.”

Janetzki said the commission would find solutions for the pressing challenges the economy is facing and provide advice and recommendations to the state. 

“We cannot afford the cost of building sites remaining at a standstill, which is why the first order of business will be a review of the building industry,” he said. 

“Labor’s CFMEU tax will be put under the microscope to restore productivity to worksites.”

The government has already moved to pause BPICs on government projects, and the commission has been tasked with delivering its report mid-2025. 

Earlier this week thousands of CFMEU and ETU members marched through Brisbane ahead of the first sitting day of Parliament. 

BPIC sets out the pay and conditions for construction union workers and applies to projects costing more than $100 million.

The Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 would also require workplace health and safety permit holders to provide at least 24 hours’ notice to exercise their right of entry to a workplace.

▲ Deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie said BPICs have had a significant impact on productivity and labour capacity.

The amendments are also in line with the requirements of the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said the laws would “stop the CFMEU using safety as an industrial weapon”.

“The CFMEU’s cultural practice of bullying and intimidation that we see on Queensland worksites against workers, contractors, employers and the independent public servants who protect workers safety must end,” he said. 

“Reintroducing the requirement to provide at least 24 hours’ notice will provide a circuit breaker to recent tensions we’ve observed regarding entry and will provide employers with sufficient time to respond to WHS entry permit holders on issues that they may raise.” 

▲ An artist’s impression of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics at the redeveloped Gabba Stadium, which was scrapped under an earlier review.

The Games legislation also enables the establishment of a rescoped Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority, which would deliver a plan for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games within 100 days. 

The intent is for the authority to plan and deliver the infrastructure, transport and legacy projects for the Games. 

Premier David Crisafulli said it would end the 1200 days of Olympic Games chaos that had ensued following the announcement that Brisbane would host the 2032 event. 

“Hosting the Games brings unique opportunities to forge ahead with generational infrastructure, transport and sustainable economic growth to set our State up for a bright and prosperous future,” Crisafulli said. 

“These amendments are about successfully delivering a Games Queenslanders can be proud of, focused on driving a lasting legacy right across the state.”