For almost two years, the Liberal National party's strategy in Queensland has been to avoid issues that risk burning through political capital. On Wednesday, one of the most tentative conservative governments in recent history announced plans for sweeping and controversial changes to workplace laws.
The proposals would give the increasingly influential Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie the power to break strikes by public sector workers in certain circumstances, including if it is deemed 'in the public interest'. The government will also make it more difficult for public servants, including emergency services workers, to claim compensation for psychological injuries. Under the proposed laws, workers with such claims would only be entitled to support if they can show their workplace was the primary cause.
Law firm Slater and Gordon said the changes would make it harder for Queenslanders to access support for psychological injuries. The United Workers Union, which represents paramedics and some healthcare workers, said the changes were 'an underhanded attack on Queensland ambulance officers and other hospital staff'. Several business groups welcomed the changes.
Opposition leader Steven Miles described the proposals as a 'Newman-era attack on workers'. The reference to the government of Campbell Newman, which collapsed after pursuing aggressive reforms including proposed sackings of public sector workers, looms large over the current administration. Premier David Crisafulli and Bleijie had front-row seats during that period and the lessons learned have kept the LNP cautious — until now.
The LNP won the 2024 election comfortably by focusing on crime and keeping controversial positions off the table. Approaching the midway point of the term, the party has decided to show its teeth, risking large sections of its suburban support base.