Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg have been promoting the new LNP government’s decision to abandon Labor’s major project procurement policy. They made these comments at the Centenary Bridge duplication site, where a worker was injured in September amidst union tensions. Mickelberg insisted that the incident occurred under the former government’s policies. The ministers were met by a crowd of 30-40 union members wearing CFMEU-branded clothing. Bleijie disregarded concerns from unions, stating that Queensland is now open for business and that the policy’s suspension was necessary.
The state’s peak union body expressed concerns about the potential for cost overruns and delays due to the abandonment of the procurement policy. Bleijie brushed off these worries and suggested that the Electrical Trades Union had hired ousted CFMEU bosses Michael Ravbar and Jade Ingham. However, ETU assistant secretary Chris Lynch denied these claims, stating that federal laws prohibit Ravbar and Ingham from working for any other union. Lynch emphasized that the ETU would not put themselves at risk by hiring individuals who are legally barred from working for another union.
Despite the concerns raised by unions, Bleijie and Mickelberg remained firm in their decision to suspend the CFMEU tax and abandon Labor’s procurement policy. They insisted that Queensland is now open for business and that the new government’s approach will lead to more efficient and cost-effective project delivery. Mickelberg also emphasized that safety measures on construction sites like the Centenary Bridge duplication would not be compromised despite the change in policy.
The ministers’ comments come at a time of ongoing tensions between the LNP government and unions in Queensland. The CFMEU and ETU have been vocal in their opposition to the government’s decision to abandon Labor’s procurement policy. The CFMEU has warned that this move could lead to increased risks on construction sites and potentially compromise worker safety. However, the government has stood by its decision, arguing that the policy change is necessary to stimulate economic growth and create more opportunities for businesses in Queensland.
The debate over the procurement policy highlights the broader issues surrounding industrial relations in Queensland. The LNP government’s decision to suspend the CFMEU tax and abandon Labor’s policy has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from unions. The government, on the other hand, argues that these changes are essential to promote investment and job creation in the state. The ongoing tensions between the government and unions suggest that further clashes may arise as the new government continues to implement its policies and agenda.
In conclusion, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg have defended the new LNP government’s decision to abandon Labor’s major project procurement policy. Despite concerns from unions about potential cost overruns and delays, the ministers maintain that the policy change is necessary to stimulate economic growth in Queensland. The ongoing tensions between the government and unions suggest that industrial relations will remain a contentious issue in the state. Only time will tell how these conflicts will be resolved and what impact they will have on construction projects and worker safety in Queensland.
