On Wednesday 30 November, Queensland Parliament passed the
Industrial Relations Bill 2016 introducing significant
reforms to the State IR framework, aligning it with the federal
framework. The legislation provides State and local government
employees with a range of new workplace protections—similar
to those available to Commonwealth employees—including
anti-bullying protections and general protections. The legislation
also includes changes to the Queensland Employment Standards and
transfers jurisdiction for workplace-related anti-discrimination
claims from the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal to the
Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC).
In addition to repealing the existing Queensland Industrial
Relations Act 1999, amendments will be made to the Work
Health and Safety Act 2011, the Anti-Discrimination Act
1991, the Public Service Act 2008 and the
Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.
