Workers’ Safety Under Attack

In Queensland right now, our workplace health and safety laws are under attack. The LNP State Government is hiding behind their so called “productivity problem” in construction to justify stripping back workplace health and safety laws that are critical to safe workplaces in Queensland.

But every worker and unionist knows: safe workplaces ARE productive workplaces. Our union and members have seen this firsthand across construction, manufacturing, aviation, health, local government and more — this holds true everywhere.

Queensland has four major pieces of safety legislation — the WHS Act, the Coal Mining Safety & Health Act, the Mining & Quarrying Safety & Health Act, and the Electrical Safety Act. According to the Treasurer, three of these are now “in their sights.”

And I want to be very clear: with the recent tragedies and the rise in serious injuries across our mining and resources sectors, now is absolutely NOT the time to weaken our safety protections.

AWU Queensland Branch at the safety rally

Every Queensland worker deserves a safe workplace and the confidence that they will return home safely at the end of each day. The WHS framework, covering rights, responsibilities, industry‑specific legislation, and enforceable codes of practice, plays a critical role in preventing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities across a wide range of industries.

Changes that the LNP are currently actively considering have raised concerns for workers right across Queensland, particularly in relation to:

• The right to stop or refuse unsafe work
• Protections against high‑risk hazards such as silica dust, psychosocial harm, and excessive heat
• The effectiveness and accountability of compliance systems to make sure employers are doing the right thing
• The safety of workers in high‑risk sectors including construction, mining, manufacturing, emergency services, and health

Workers from a variety of industries recently attended a public rally at Queensland Parliament to highlight the importance of maintaining strong WHS standards. Their message was clear: safety is fundamental, and any changes to WHS laws should strengthen – not diminish – the ability of workers and employers to prevent harm and to make workplaces safe. Safety is everyone’s business. A strong WHS framework benefits employers, workers, families, and communities alike.

Every Queensland worker has the right to come home safe. That principle guides our position and our ongoing engagement on behalf of members. Stay safe and look out for your workmates.

Stacey with Assistant QLD Branch Secretary Mark Raguse (left) and members of the AWU QLD team.