Qld union offficials to undergo 'fit and proper' test under proposed changes

An independent review examining Queensland's industrial relations laws has recommended a "fit and proper" test for union officials and for workers to be represented by non-recognised union groups.The report, completed in September, made 104 recommendations, and the state government accepted 75 of them in full.Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said Queenslanders deserved an industrial relations system that worked for them, ensured safety, paid competitively and was a productive workplace.Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says proposed changes to the state's industrial relation laws won't affect workers' right to strike. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)"We are determined to turn around the culture of violence and intimidation with the construction sector that has been laid bare by the Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU," Mr Bleijie said.He said the state government has agreed to the recommendation that would "introduce a robust, fit and proper person test for union officials seeking to gain lawful right of entry powers on worksite".Mr Bleijie said that would "draw a line in the sand for the unacceptable and threatening behaviour that has been allowed to run rampant" on worksites."We will not stand by and allow it to continue," he told state parliament.Glenn Ferguson AM, former Law Council of Australia president, led the review, along with Gary Black, a former Commissioner in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.The state government accepted in principle 14 further recommendations; six were noted, and nine were not accepted.Bringing Queensland in lineIn response to the report, the government is set to introduce a bill on Wednesday evening that would bring the state in line with other jurisdictions.The government accepted the review's recommendations to introduce appropriate protections for union whistleblowers, amend laws to ensure union officials represent only workers within their responsibilities, and publish union rules.It also accepted a recommendation to significantly expand the rights and protections available to unregistered industrial associations and promote employees' freedom to be represented by the industrial entity of their choosing.The review recommended protections for union whistleblowers. (ABC News: Brigham Edgar)He said workers deserved the freedom to choose who represents them in these important matters that affect their lives.The review said the change would significantly alter legislation introduced under the Labor government in 2022.Mr Bleijie said the reforms would not remove a union's ability to properly represent its workers, a worker's right to strike for fairer pay, access to existing opportunities for flexible work arrangements, or a worker's ability to decide whether to join a union."These reforms are about fairness, productivity, resolving industrial relations issues in an efficient way that supports workers and provides an essential service," he told the House.The review said that because the inquiry into the CFMEU was extended until December this year, it did not have the benefit of considering its outcomes and findings for this report.