Weekly column from Council Courier e-newsletter by CEO Greg Hallam on Friday, 2 September 2016.
The State Government’s antics over its industrial relations legislation are frustrating to say the least, but I can assure you, we will continue our fight.
Once again, the LGAQ has been left bewildered at the government’s behaviour and lack of fair play, particularly its willingness to compromise the independence of the rightful umpire, the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.
To sum up the latest developments, Acting LGAQ President Jenny Hill and myself met with Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace yesterday morning to seek changes to the proposed IR legislation. Minister Grace gave a commitment but reneged on it within an hour when the IR legislation was introduced in its current form in Parliament.
As I have said several times in the media since this decision, the government has betrayed Queensland’s 77 councils, neutered the QIRC and jeopardised its relationship with local government.
We will continue fighting for a single, modernised IR award that our members want and need to sustain its workforce and operations.
Waging the battles of councils is our job and it is one we do with conviction and tenacity. As the registered employer body for local government in Queensland, the LGAQ is faithful to our members and ratepayers and remains a good local citizen. What we are calling for is fair and decent for all parties involved in the local government IR process.
On a brighter note, it was wonderful to catch up with the LGAQ Policy Executive team, who met at LG House this week. Acting President Jenny has done a magnificent job of running the show and she will hand the reins over to a permanent president who will be elected at next month’s Annual Conference.