Queensland’s LNP has tread softly in government. It’s now baring its teeth over the power to break up workers’ strikes
News Source
•Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:00:15 GMT
📰 What Happened
Queensland's LNP government has announced big changes to workplace laws. The plans would give deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie the power to break strikes by public sector workers in certain cases, including when it is judged to be in the public interest. The government would also make it harder for public servants, including emergency services workers, to claim compensation for psychological injuries. They would need to show their workplace was the main cause. Unions and law firm Slater and Gordon say the changes are unfair and will hurt workers.
🔍 The Backstory
The LNP won office in 2024 by talking mostly about crime and avoiding divisive topics. For nearly two years it kept a low profile. Many Queenslanders still remember the Newman government, which sacked public sector workers and sparked mass protests before collapsing. Premier David Crisafulli and Bleijie both watched those events up close. The state's public sector employs more than 320,000 people, which makes it a powerful voting bloc in its own right.
🎯 Why It Matters
Workplace rules affect hundreds of thousands of families and the services they rely on. The fight over these laws could define the government and shape the next election. It also tests whether the LNP can take on its own suburban supporters and still hold power. Unions warn the changes could weaken emergency services and the people who depend on them.
Queensland's LNP government has announced big changes to workplace laws. The plans would give deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie the power to break strikes by public sector workers in certain cases, including when it is judged to be in the public interest. The government would also make it harder for public servants, including emergency services workers, to claim compensation for psychological injuries. They would need to show their workplace was the main cause. Unions and law firm Slater and Gordon say the changes are unfair and will hurt workers.
The LNP won office in 2024 by talking mostly about crime and avoiding divisive topics. For nearly two years it kept a low profile. Many Queenslanders still remember the Newman government, which sacked public sector workers and sparked mass protests before collapsing. Premier David Crisafulli and Bleijie both watched those events up close. The state's public sector employs more than 320,000 people, which makes it a powerful voting bloc in its own right.
Workplace rules affect hundreds of thousands of families and the services they rely on. The fight over these laws could define the government and shape the next election. It also tests whether the LNP can take on its own suburban supporters and still hold power. Unions warn the changes could weaken emergency services and the people who depend on them.