The Queensland government has unveiled a series of industrial relations reforms aimed at addressing union violence and misconduct, including the introduction of a "fit and proper" person test for union officials seeking workplace access rights. The proposed measures form part of a broader response to a comprehensive review of the state’s workers’ compensation scheme and industrial relations laws.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie presented the reforms to parliament on Wednesday, highlighting that the government accepted 75 of the review’s 104 recommendations in full, agreed to 14 in principle, noted six, and rejected nine. The review, initiated earlier this year, was conducted by Glenn Ferguson, former chair of WorkCover appointed by Bleijie, and Industrial Relations Commissioner Gary Black.

The forthcoming bill, set to be introduced on Wednesday evening, aims to align Queensland’s regulatory framework with those of other states by requiring union officials to pass a fit and proper person test prior to obtaining right of entry powers on worksites. Bleijie said the reforms sought to “shift the balance back in Queenslanders’ favour” and to end what he described as a culture of violence and intimidation on construction sites, which he linked to previous Labor government policies.

“These reforms focus on fairness, productivity, efficient resolution of industrial relations issues, and support for workers while ensuring the provision of essential services,” Bleijie said in parliament. The bill will also broaden the scope of who is permitted to represent workers in industrial disputes and wage negotiations and will increase maximum penalties for WorkCover fraud. Additionally, the legislation proposes to tighten the eligibility criteria for psychological injury claims by requiring that employment be the “major significant contributing factor,” instead of just a “significant contributing factor.”

The Queensland Council of Unions, through General Secretary Jacqueline King, criticized the reforms. She argued that the changes would undermine frontline workers such as paramedics, police, and nurses by making it harder for them to access necessary support.

The reforms come against the backdrop of an ongoing commission of inquiry scrutinizing allegations of misconduct within the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) in Queensland. The inquiry, recently extended, has heard testimonies suggesting union members have engaged in intimidation and threats against construction employers, workers, and government officials. It has also been reported that industrial actions by the CFMEU delayed and increased costs on joint state-federal infrastructure projects, including the Cross River Rail and Centenary Bridge upgrades.

Bleijie accused the previous Labor government of allowing a permissive environment for such behavior that benefited the CFMEU. He affirmed the government’s determination to change the culture in Queensland’s construction sector as part of the new industrial relations reforms.