Queensland proposes powers to break public-sector strikes

Queensland's LNP government has announced plans to change the state's workplace laws, including powers to end strikes by public-sector workers in certain circumstances. Under the proposal, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie could intervene to break a strike if it was deemed "in the public interest", according to The Guardian. The government is led by Premier David Crisafulli.

The proposals would also make it more difficult for public servants, including emergency services workers, to claim compensation for psychological injuries. Workers seeking support for such injuries would only be entitled to it if they could show the workplace was the primary cause.

Opposition leader Steven Miles criticised the proposals, describing them as a "Newman-era attack on workers". His comment was reported in the same account of the planned changes.

The Queensland government's ministerial statements site lists a release titled "Reforms to protect small and family businesses and workers" dated 14 Oct 2026 at 03:54 PM. The proposals remain announced plans, not enacted law.