The state government introduced legislative amendments to the Industrial Relations Act 2016 to give effect to the Premier’s announcement that there would be a 'wage freeze' in the 2020/2021 financial year.

Together continues to remain strongly opposed to the 'wage freeze' policy and also the process being used to implement the policy.

Together continues to remain strongly opposed to the 'wage freeze' policy and also the process being used to implement the policy.

We know that this legislation will lock in the payment of the increases for members in Queensland Health who have agreements in principle, which were negotiated last year but were not certified. We understand that the previous commitments from Minister Grace and Minister Trad that you would be paid before 30 June will be honoured and that the 2.5% increases due from 2019 and the back pay will be processed this financial year.

The current legislation does not automatically impact the timing of the 2.5% increases for the uncertified agreements in Queensland Health – that is the proposed EB10, HPDOCA and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers Agreement, but we expect that the government will seek to change the timing of the proposed increases due in September and October this year.

The legislation does not reference in any way the $1250 payment that was part of the offer to members last year. We believe that the government remains committed to this part of the offer to Queensland Health members but we do not have this in writing. We do not have any confirmation about whether the government policy is that the payment would be made on the certification of the agreement or when 'in-principle' agreement is reached. We hope to have this issue clarified by Queensland Health later this week.  The pressure applied by Together members has ensured that the government has not attempted to walk away from the commitment to this payment despite the announcement of the 'wage freeze' in April. Well done to you all.