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ARTICLE · 26 FEBRUARY 2014

Crackdown on unions using safety as a weapon - Proposed changes to Queensland WHS Act

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The amendments will restrict union right of entry processes and remove some powers of health & safety representatives.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Nick Le Mare
Nick Le Mare
Alannah Hogan
Alannah Hogan
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The Queensland Government introduced the Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 (Bill) into State Parliament on 13 February 2014.

The Bill includes proposed amendments to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) (WHS Act), which will restrict union right of entry processes and remove some powers of health and safety representatives (HSRs).

BACKGROUND

During a Queensland Government review of the national model WHS laws (Review), the construction industry raised concerns about the misuse of entry powers by union officials and the inconsistencies in entry notification requirements that exist between states.

In response, State Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie announced in October 2013 that amendments would be made to the right of entry provisions in the WHS Act to stop unions using safety issues as an 'industrial weapon'.

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