Standing up for the frontline!

Every day Queensland’s Youth Detention Centre workers walk into some of the state’s most challenging workplaces, managing complex behaviours, responding to serious incidents, and helping guide young people towards better futures. Yet too often, their dedication has not been matched by the recognition, safety, and support they deserve.

That’s why the AWU has been fighting hard on their behalf. We’ve been campaigning for fair wages, safer workplaces, better staffing levels, and conditions that reflect the demanding nature of the job. Our members are reporting increasing levels of violence, assaults, threats, and intimidation in youth detention centres, and we believe every worker has the right to go home safely at the end of their shift.

South-East Queensland YDC members on strike!

We’re currently in the middle of enterprise bargaining negotiations and Youth Detention Centre workers have stood in solidarity and taken protected industrial action in an effort to secure a fair deal for frontline staff.

Our message is simple: these workers deserve respect and recognition for being on the frontline and keeping Queensland communities safe.

Supporting YDC workers isn’t just about improving workplace conditions. It’s about ensuring centres are adequately staffed, properly resourced, and safe for both workers and the young people in their care. When we invest in frontline workers, we invest in stronger communities and better outcomes for everyone.

The AWU will continue standing shoulder to shoulder with our youth detention members until they receive the recognition, safety, and respect they’ve earned.

AWU on strike at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre

Across Queensland there are 77 Local Government areas, and the AWU is the union for council workers. Our members are on the frontline delivering essential services for communities. From Tablelands Regional Council in Far North Queensland to Lockyer Valley Regional Council in Southern Queensland, the AWU has recently negotiated strong agreements that deliver significant pay rises and improved conditions for our members.

Our organisers, delegates and members have stood united at the negotiating tables across Queensland, giving the AWU a strong hand in negotiating better outcomes for workers in Local Government.

AWU members at Western Downs Regional Council