The government has tabled its response to a review of industrial relations law and the workers' compensation scheme, conducted by former WorkCover chair Glenn Ferguson and Industrial Relations Commissioner Gary Black. Bleijie told parliament the review made 104 recommendations: 75 accepted in full, 14 in principle, six noted, and nine rejected. A bill was introduced on Wednesday night to enact the response.
"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," Bleijie said.
He said the changes would save small business $1.46 billion annually by preventing workers' compensation scheme premiums from increasing.
Unions have said they will take time to consider the proposed changes, but warned that the workers' compensation scheme amendments would make it harder for frontline staff to get support.
The government is also set to hold a parliamentary inquiry into Labor's 2022 efforts to scuttle the role of LNP-linked "red unions" in the state, and will review its union encouragement policy.