Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2020

Supported both bills, acknowledging the excellence of Queensland's WorkCover system and the need for updated electrical safety regulation including for electric vehicles. Raised concerns about broadening HSR and EPH powers to take photos and videos, citing CFMEU intimidation on construction sites.

“In conclusion, this side of the House approves of the bill.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as Health Minister, praising the presumptive PTSD provisions for first responders and highlighting the Palaszczuk government's record of restoring workers' rights stripped by the LNP.

“This new legislation will mean that first responders who are struggling to cope with PTSD, a serious mental health condition, will not have to show that their injury is work related.”— 2021-05-12View Hansard

Introduced the bill as Minister for Industrial Relations, presenting presumptive workers compensation laws for first responders diagnosed with PTSD as a way to overcome barriers in the claims process, while responding to committee recommendations by accepting the inclusion of mines rescue and local government workers but rejecting broader expansion of the definition.

“Under presumptive laws, first responders and eligible employees who are seriously struggling to cope with PTSD will not have to go through a lengthy claims determination and investigation process. It will be presumed that their PTSD is caused by their work. This is a great leap forward.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, particularly the expansion of presumptive illness provisions for firefighters and Rural Fire Service volunteers, adding 10 new deemed diseases to make Queensland's coverage the most comprehensive in Australia.

“The passing of this bill will see an additional 10 diseases added to Queensland's existing list of 12 presumptive illnesses.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard

As a former custodial corrections officer of 21 years, delivered a powerful speech detailing the traumatic incidents corrections officers face daily, including self-harm, riots and assaults, arguing the bill finally provides recognition that this work leaves psychological scars.

“These amendments—this recognition of the potential health effects of the prolonged exposure to trauma—are a fundamental recognition for custodial officers that finally, critically, significantly someone has listened.”— 2021-05-12View Hansard

Confirmed the LNP would support the bill and the presumptive legislation for first responders, while claiming credit for the LNP's prior work reducing workers compensation premiums and introducing presumptive legislation for firefighters, and expressing concern about the definition of first responders becoming too broad.

“The LNP and I have always supported good legislation that protects and acknowledges the people in our Queensland community who go the extra mile.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as a former union official who dealt with WorkCover claims for prison and ambulance officers, arguing it will save lives by removing barriers to compensation for PTSD and sending a message that 'we believe you'.

“This bill will undoubtedly save the lives of first responders. Not only does this bill demonstrate that we support and have the back of those first responders; it will also tear down a barrier that has faced so many of them when putting forward WorkCover claims in relation to PTSD.”— 2021-05-12View Hansard

Supported the bill as committee chair, highlighting that the legislation responds to the Beyond Blue and Senate committee findings on first responder mental health, and noting it builds on the government's earlier reforms providing early access to psychological support services.

“By changing the legislative test for the mental injury to be presumptive will alleviate some of the stress caused to our first responders who struggle with PTSD.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Strongly supported both bills, focusing on the importance of protections for firefighters and the role of unions in driving workplace safety reforms. Defended the provisions allowing photos and videos on worksites.

“Of course I will support these bills. Of course I will support workers right across Queensland.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard

Supported the bill as reflecting growing awareness of PTSD in society, referencing the Childers Palace Backpackers fire as an example of how traumatic events affect first responders and communities for decades.

“Reversing the onus of proof is crucial because exposure to repeated trauma is an everyday occurrence for those workers.”— 2021-05-12View Hansard

Supported the legislation as a committee member, acknowledging the trauma first responders face and noting the Queensland Law Society's concerns about scheme viability while supporting the need for the presumptive pathway.

“No words can ever describe the emotional trauma and stress those first responders feel on seeing lives broken into pieces.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the workers' compensation bill, particularly the extension of compensation to gig workers and bailee taxi and limousine drivers. Criticised the original deregulation that allowed Uber to undermine the taxi industry and leave gig workers without protections.

“While it is good to see this legislation before the House, I think we should all acknowledge the mess that we created by opening the floodgates and letting Uber into Queensland because a lot of Queensland workers have been taken advantage of.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard

As Deputy Premier and former health minister, supported the bill as making mental health care more accessible for first responders suffering PTSD, noting one in ten first responders likely have PTSD with five per cent experiencing suicidal thoughts.

“I hope that this bill sees fewer first responders take their own lives and that fewer families have to suffer the tragic loss of a loved one because they could not access the help they needed in a timely and easy fashion.”— 2021-05-12View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing a personal account of a first responder friend suffering from PTSD and nightmares, and thanking first responders for the difficult work they do.

“This bill is about supporting our first responders and acknowledging that they have some of the most challenging of jobs.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported both bills as chair of the committee that reviewed the electrical safety bill. Defended the provisions for HSRs and EPHs to gather photographic evidence, arguing it is reasonable for investigating workplace contraventions.

“Let's face it, if there is a contravention of an act in a workplace, somebody who is going in to try to remedy the situation absolutely should be entitled to gather the appropriate evidence in order to prosecute.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing the story of a young police constable who had to draw her weapon in a domestic violence incident in Rockhampton, arguing the bill delivers on the government's duty of care as an employer of first responders.

“Our first responders do not get to wake up every day knowing it will be a quiet day in the office, free from abuse, harm and tragedy. These people—our brothers and sisters, husbands and wives—are normal people doing extraordinary things.”— 2021-05-12View Hansard

Supported the bill as a committee member from the KAP, welcoming the inclusion of mine site first responders and the recognition that PTSD can be cumulative rather than from a single incident.

“The introduction of this bill into the House will give not only those working in those extreme conditions but also their family members peace of mind that they will be looked after when they suffer a mental health injury.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as recognising the enormous contribution first responders make and helping them access support when they need it most, noting that the Beyond Blue report found 61 per cent of workers said the compensation system had a negative impact on their recovery.

“Making our first responders prove that their work duties led to their PTSD diagnosis only compounds their distress and leads to lengthy investigations which delays their claims.”— 2021-05-12View Hansard

Supported the bill, recognising that it respects first responders and the contribution they make, and highlighting that it builds on the government's strong record of workers compensation reforms.

“Queenslanders can recognise two key tenets of this reform. They are: firstly, the work our emergency workers do exposes them, often on numerous occasions, to extreme and confronting scenes; and, secondly, when a worker or retired worker is seeking workers compensation for PTSD and psychological damage it is likely to be at the very time that they are most vulnerable.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported both bills, emphasising the Miles government's strong history of putting worker safety first and highlighting the extension of workers' compensation to further cover firefighters.

“I am really pleased that the Miles government has a strong history of putting worker safety front and centre.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard

Supported the bill as overcoming barriers for first responders in the workers compensation process, sharing her experience meeting communications operators and firefighter recruits at the Queensland Combined Emergency Service Academy in her electorate.

“We have a role to protect those who protect us.”— 2021-05-12View Hansard

Supported the bill as a former police officer who has seen firsthand the effects of trauma on emergency service workers, calling for all first responders to have access to adequate resources and support services regardless of location.

“Being a first responder can be both the most rewarding and challenging career imaginable. We owe a debt of gratitude to our first responders.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

As minister, replied to the debate defending both bills. Highlighted Queensland's leading role in industrial manslaughter laws, the importance of presumptive cancer provisions for firefighters, and the practical value of photos and videos for workplace safety. Announced amendments to enable administration of the CFMEUQ Construction and General division.

“Every time we debate important safety legislation in this House it is interesting that the opposition finds new ways to try to weaken our laws rather than concentrate on improving things and on what actually works in the workplace.”— 2024-08-22View Hansard

As Minister for Industrial Relations, delivered the reply speech defending the bill's design, rebutting the member for Kawana's claims about workers compensation history, and confirming the government amendment to extend coverage to coal mine rescue workers and local government workers.

“I am proud this bill provides a smoother and quicker pathway to workers compensation and support for our hardworking first responders suffering from PTSD, just like we did for the firefighters and emergency services workers.”— 2021-05-12View Hansard

Supported the bill as part of the Palaszczuk government's record of delivering for Queensland workers, highlighting the reversal of onus of proof and coverage of emergency dispatchers and others exposed to trauma.

“Today—on the eve of International Nurses Day—we are making it easier for Queensland first responders who develop post-traumatic stress disorder to access support and care under the state's workers compensation scheme.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill while noting LNP concerns about the broad definition of first responders, and specifically advocated for the inclusion of coalmine first responders given the harrowing nature of mine disasters.

“Not only are they attending what could be very dangerous and tragic circumstances; those people go in knowing that they will be attending their colleagues and work mates.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill drawing on her experience working with first responders and victims of violence, explaining that presumptive laws remove barriers for first responders who cannot identify a single traumatic incident due to cumulative exposure.

“Quite simply, it makes economic sense and, quite frankly, it is the right thing to do to support our Queensland frontline staff and to pass this bill.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill while highlighting the severe lack of mental health beds and drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities in regional Queensland, particularly west of the coast, arguing that the presumptive pathway must be matched by actual treatment services.

“It is not care if you cannot access it.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as a former Queensland Police Union industrial officer who had sat with officers struggling with trauma, noting that police were not covered by workers compensation until a Labor government acted in 1990.

“Imagine being traumatised by years of trying to save car crash victims or of putting out fires while families alongside you watch their homes go up in flames, only to be met with demands to 'prove it' when you finally reach out for help.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as someone who personally suffered from PTSD and depression as a consequence of military service, arguing governments have a moral obligation to support those who sacrifice their mental health in service, while cautioning against expanding the definition too broadly.

“It is my view that governments at all levels have a moral obligation to support those who have sacrificed their mental and physical health in performing important tasks which, while necessary, often have a significant detrimental effect on those who perform them.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as a former nurse, arguing that reversing the onus of proof will remove a source of anxiety that can actually contribute to the development of PTSD, and endorsing the use of DSM-5 as the gold standard for mental health diagnosis.

“By taking a presumptive approach this legislation will remove a source of anxiety. When you combine that with the other measures that have been put in place by the government, such as the Workers' Psychological Support Service and the requirement for insurance companies to take early intervention, we will put people in a position where they will be able to seek access to early diagnosis and treatment.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, recognising first responders as community heroes and comparing the legislation to the commonsense presumptive laws for firefighters' respiratory illness introduced in 2015.

“We need to support those who support us.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Gave a deeply personal speech as a 20-year police veteran describing the cumulative trauma of attending fatal crashes, suicides, child deaths and violent murders, and the retraumatising nature of the current workers compensation claims process for first responders.

“Do not underestimate the lives that are precariously balanced as shattered, broken people—the ones who put their hands up to serve the community for the greater good—navigate the system looking for help. I have been to far too many funerals.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill while raising concerns about the government's last-minute inclusion of local government workers without full consultation, arguing the amendment potentially affects 40,000 local government employees and should not have been rushed.

“This parliament has seen far too much rushed legislation resulting in unintended consequences impacting on the local government sector.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing the story of a friend who found a prisoner hanging in a cell and self-medicated with alcohol, and arguing the cost of supporting first responders should be borne by the community.

“If there is a minor cost I think we all should bear that through the community to ensure that people are well looked after, that their PTSD is diagnosed and that they get treatment.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill while crediting the LNP government for reducing workers compensation premiums and noting that the current system still has a structural problem where employers' premiums are recouped over three years following a claim.

“These are the real-life heroes of our state. We acknowledge all the time that they work hard to keep us safe—more than ever during floods, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as Minister for Police, crediting the Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers as instrumental in driving the legislation, and announcing the government's commitment to doubling the number of injury management consultants in the QPS.

“This bill recognises the selfless dedication of those who protect our community and this bill puts into practice the deep appreciation of all of us for the efforts of those who keep Queenslanders safe.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill despite concerns about the breadth of the first responder definition and the potential for unions to push for further expansion, noting that 80-90 per cent of PTSD claims are already accepted and the presumptive pathway will close the gap.

“Given the nature of this bill and what it will deliver for workers in this state I do not oppose the bill.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing a personal account of meeting local firefighters who responded to a house fire in which a young girl's brother died, and arguing the legislation normalises asking for help.

“By passing this bill we are normalising asking for help. We as a society and a parliament are recognising that it is completely understandable that being repeatedly exposed to traumatic events in your line of work may impact on your mental health.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as a former rural doctor and president of the Rural Doctors Association, while asking the minister to clarify whether medical superintendents and visiting medical officers in rural emergency departments are covered, and noting the insufficiently defined terms of first responder and eligible employee.

“Therefore, I would appreciate the minister clarifying whether coverage will be extended to those frontline medical and health professionals.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as a former firefighter, placing it in international context by comparing it to similar presumptive legislation in Canadian provinces and other Australian states, and arguing it provides peace of mind for first responders.

“What this legislation means to those who serve our community is peace of mind.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the legislation while noting the current system can be incredibly bureaucratic and that the workers compensation process needs to work harder for those in need of financial support.

“There are so many things in this job that you cannot unsee.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing quotes from critical care paramedics in her electorate about the unpredictable cumulative nature of trauma, and noting the inclusion of emergency medical dispatchers who listen to people taking their last breaths over the phone.

“First responders protect us with their bodies and their minds to save our bodies and our minds from harm. Ensuring that if they suffer post-traumatic stress disorder their path to care and support is that little bit smoother is the very least we can do in return.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the legislation and the recognition of first responders, welcoming the inclusion of coalmine workers given the Grosvenor mine blast, and seeking clarification on whether VMR (Volunteer Marine Rescue) volunteers are covered.

“The social and economic cost to individuals and their families and more broadly our community of those who live with post-traumatic stress disorder without support or assistance would be significant and detrimental not only to their individual health but also to their friends, family and work colleagues.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting the extensive stakeholder reference group process that informed it and reflecting on his former career as a lawyer where he saw that mental trauma was often undervalued compared to physical injury.

“I remember when I was a lawyer and I did personal injury claims that we were more worried about a broken arm than the mental trauma suffered by the person who was injured. This legislation goes some way to moving workers compensation forward.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill drawing on her experience as a former child exploitation prosecutor who had to view and classify child exploitation material, while noting the LNP's role in first introducing presumptive legislation for firefighters and creating the lowest workers compensation premiums.

“Despite the best endeavours of employers and workers to put in place measures to prevent mental trauma, persistent and extreme exposure to such graphic and abhorrent images can take its toll, no matter the tools you employ to protect yourself, so I welcome these amendments.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing her personal experience of being first on the scene at a fatal head-on collision where five people died, and thanking first responders for their work.

“I am so pleased that we are bringing in this bill so they can get care when they most need it.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as an independent, acknowledging the Beyond Blue findings that 69 per cent of first responders received limited to no support during the claims process, and recognising the broader group of people affected by trauma beyond those covered by the bill.

“As a society, looking out for each other includes having the legislation with which to do so, especially for those who look after us.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as a former United Workers Union official who represented paramedics, arguing the reforms remove the biggest barrier to health heroes seeking help by ending the requirement to prove a specific traumatic incident caused their PTSD.

“The duty of trying to identify a specific traumatic event in a job where traumatic events are your bread and butter seems to me to be entirely unreasonable.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill as a former police officer of almost 30 years, while noting the definition of first responders remains too broad and open to exploitation, and calling for better succession planning within the QPS to prevent officers staying in operational roles solely for financial reasons.

“Many police keep going in their operational roles because they simply cannot afford to lose these operational loadings. Some officers keep going and then suffer the consequences of mental health and disability, including post-traumatic stress disorder.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, reflecting on attending a memorial for a fire victim in his electorate and the impact on first responders who attended the scene, and criticising the member for Kawana for focusing on premiums rather than the wellbeing of workers.

“I do not care what this costs. This is about looking after people in our community who look after us.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill on behalf of the KAP, acknowledging the government's virtuous intention while raising concerns about mental health service gaps in small and remote towns like Mount Isa where there are no inpatient mental health services.

“It is pretty hard to do that here as I think the government's intention is virtuous so well done. This fills a gap and there is a need for it, so I am happy to acknowledge that.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Gave a deeply personal speech as a former paramedic of over 30 years describing graphic trauma including decapitations, child deaths and domestic violence, arguing the legislation will save lives by providing easier access to support for first responders.

“I do not care what this costs. This is about looking after people in our community who look after us. This is one of the best pieces of legislation I am so proud to be part of to see this passed.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing the story of a best mate who was a paramedic and never recovered after attending a crash scene where the car and victim resembled his wife's car and his son.

“I think if this legislation were around in his time 20 years ago, it would have helped him.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Gave a deeply personal speech recounting his career as a firefighter and paramedic spanning decades, including the Ash Wednesday bushfires, the Linton bushfire where five firefighters died, and the Cairns child murders, revealing he lives with undiagnosed PTSD.

“I have no doubt about it that I live with PTSD. I have never been diagnosed. There are times where it sneaks up on me. I can close my eyes and picture every single one of those jobs and many more that I have not mentioned.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard

Supported the bill while raising concerns about the restrictive DSM-5 diagnostic requirement, the decision to prescribe eligible workers by regulation rather than legislation, and the narrow scope of eligible workers that excludes many others exposed to trauma such as disability services and community workers.

“There is much in the bill to applaud and it deserves our support, but there is much more to be done.”— 2021-05-11View Hansard