Latest news with #Crisafulli
Sydney Morning Herald
18 hours ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Productivity Commission floats scrapping so-called ‘CFMEU tax'
The news Queensland's rebooted Productivity Commission has turned in its first work for the Crisafulli government, with a report that calls for scrapping a controversial arrangement with building unions. The interim report from its inquiry into the construction sector, released on Thursday, canvasses a range of issues, from inconsistent regulation and planning to the labour market. It found that the industry was not keeping pace with the pipeline of work in demand – from housing to major infrastructure – which has more than doubled since December 2020. It calculated a fall in productivity of about 9 per cent since 2018, equivalent to 77,000 homes that had not been built, which it said was more than enough to address current supply shortfalls. How we got here The commission and its first probe is one plank of the government's efforts against the CFMEU, including reviewing the so-called 'CFMEU tax'. This is the pejorative term for the 'best practice industry conditions' (BPICs) brought in under Labor to set pay and conditions on state-funded projects at union-negotiated levels, positioning the government as a model client.
The Age
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Age
Productivity Commission floats scrapping so-called ‘CFMEU tax'
The news Queensland's rebooted Productivity Commission has turned in its first work for the Crisafulli government, with a report that calls for scrapping a controversial arrangement with building unions. The interim report from its inquiry into the construction sector, released on Thursday, canvasses a range of issues, from inconsistent regulation and planning to the labour market. It found that the industry was not keeping pace with the pipeline of work in demand – from housing to major infrastructure – which has more than doubled since December 2020. It calculated a fall in productivity of about 9 per cent since 2018, equivalent to 77,000 homes that had not been built, which it said was more than enough to address current supply shortfalls. How we got here The commission and its first probe is one plank of the government's efforts against the CFMEU, including reviewing the so-called 'CFMEU tax'. This is the pejorative term for the 'best practice industry conditions' (BPICs) brought in under Labor to set pay and conditions on state-funded projects at union-negotiated levels, positioning the government as a model client.
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
‘Stand up and demand better': School teachers across major Australian state to strike
Queensland state schoolteachers will walk off the job on August 6 as the union continues to fight for pay increases. The Queensland Teachers Union confirmed on Tuesday strike action would take place following a rejected pay offer from the state government. The decision was made following an executive meeting on Monday night, and Queensland Teachers Union President Cresta Richardson said it was only a matter of time before teachers took action. 'Queensland Teachers Union members have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a 24-hour work stoppage on 6 August across all state schools in Queensland,' 'The protected strike action follows the Crisafulli government's referral to conciliation in the Industrial Relations Commission following its failure to secure a deal with state schoolteachers and school leaders. 'The QTU looks forward to presenting its claim before the Commission and urges all community members to support resourcing and funding state schools appropriately.' The last time Queensland teachers took strike action was in 2009. Out of 38,243 voters within the union, a staggering 36,583 voted in favour of the industrial action, according to an email sent to union members today. 'Queensland Teachers Union members have made history,' Ms Crista said. 'This is our time to stand up and demand better.' Education Department Director General Sharon Schimming addressed the strike action in an email to teachers on Tuesday, and said schools will remain open on Wednesday, August 6. 'Schools will remain operational during this time, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure disruptions are minimised,' she said. 'We are working to minimise any ongoing impact of industrial action on schools. 'Protected industrial action is allowed for under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 and is recognised as a right of negotiating parties to support or advance claims.' A spokesperson for the Queensland Department of Education said it will prioritise the safety of staff and students during the protected action. 'While we prefer to resolve matters without industrial action, we acknowledge employees' rights to take this step,' they said. 'We remain focused on maintaining safe, operational schools and minimising disruption for students and staff.'
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Crime down but govt accused of cherry picking data
Victims of crime numbers have fallen in data released by a state that launched a controversial youth justice crackdown, with claims of cherry-picking figures. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli revealed police data for the first six months of 2025 showing victim numbers dropping by 5.7 per cent overall compared to 2024, saying the state had begun to "turn things around" under his Liberal National government. Mr Crisafulli had vowed to resign if victims of crime numbers did not fall by the end of his term during his 2024 election campaign. Data released on Tuesday revealed victim numbers across 12 offences including murder, assault, robbery, coercive control, break and enter and stealing cars had dropped from 75,084 to 72,588, contributing to the overall 5.7 per cent decrease. Yet the figures released by the LNP government did not include "other theft". "This is a very, very small step ... but it is proof that if you do back the police, if you do put in place those resources, if you do focus on early intervention, you can turn things around," the premier said. Data revealed break-ins were 12 per cent lower in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Overall there were 23,299 victims of break and enters statewide between January and June 2024, dropping to 21,042 this year. Robbery victims fell to 1077 this year compared to 1211 in the same period of 2024, marking a 13.2 per cent drop. More than 9500 Queenslanders had cars stolen in the first half of 2024 compared to 9213 in 2025, showing a 6.4 per cent decrease. The Labor opposition slammed the lack of data on "other theft", saying it meant thousands of Queenslanders were no longer considered victims under the LNP government. "His victim data isn't worth the paper that it's printed on because he's cut corners, cherry-picked, and removed offences that should matter," opposition leader Steven Miles said. "Victims of other theft could be the local independent grocer who has had stock swiped from their shelves, or someone who's had items stolen from their car." Mr Crisafulli defended not including "other theft", saying the offence may not relate to a person. "I wouldn't be standing here saying to you that someone who's pinched a marker from the side of the road, that's not a victim ... it's a crime," he said. The LNP government won the election on a tough-on-crime approach, introducing its controversial "adult crime, adult time" legislation that ensures youth offenders face mandatory life sentences for murder and manslaughter. It also doubled the maximum sentences for other offences, increasing jail terms for break and enter, car thefts, sexual assault, attempted murder and rape. However, the state government is yet to release its expert advice on the laws that have drawn criticism from youth advocates who claim it breaches human rights. The state budget revealed the government was spending $5.2 billion over the next four years on its crime crackdown. Victims of crime numbers have fallen in data released by a state that launched a controversial youth justice crackdown, with claims of cherry-picking figures. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli revealed police data for the first six months of 2025 showing victim numbers dropping by 5.7 per cent overall compared to 2024, saying the state had begun to "turn things around" under his Liberal National government. Mr Crisafulli had vowed to resign if victims of crime numbers did not fall by the end of his term during his 2024 election campaign. Data released on Tuesday revealed victim numbers across 12 offences including murder, assault, robbery, coercive control, break and enter and stealing cars had dropped from 75,084 to 72,588, contributing to the overall 5.7 per cent decrease. Yet the figures released by the LNP government did not include "other theft". "This is a very, very small step ... but it is proof that if you do back the police, if you do put in place those resources, if you do focus on early intervention, you can turn things around," the premier said. Data revealed break-ins were 12 per cent lower in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Overall there were 23,299 victims of break and enters statewide between January and June 2024, dropping to 21,042 this year. Robbery victims fell to 1077 this year compared to 1211 in the same period of 2024, marking a 13.2 per cent drop. More than 9500 Queenslanders had cars stolen in the first half of 2024 compared to 9213 in 2025, showing a 6.4 per cent decrease. The Labor opposition slammed the lack of data on "other theft", saying it meant thousands of Queenslanders were no longer considered victims under the LNP government. "His victim data isn't worth the paper that it's printed on because he's cut corners, cherry-picked, and removed offences that should matter," opposition leader Steven Miles said. "Victims of other theft could be the local independent grocer who has had stock swiped from their shelves, or someone who's had items stolen from their car." Mr Crisafulli defended not including "other theft", saying the offence may not relate to a person. "I wouldn't be standing here saying to you that someone who's pinched a marker from the side of the road, that's not a victim ... it's a crime," he said. The LNP government won the election on a tough-on-crime approach, introducing its controversial "adult crime, adult time" legislation that ensures youth offenders face mandatory life sentences for murder and manslaughter. It also doubled the maximum sentences for other offences, increasing jail terms for break and enter, car thefts, sexual assault, attempted murder and rape. However, the state government is yet to release its expert advice on the laws that have drawn criticism from youth advocates who claim it breaches human rights. The state budget revealed the government was spending $5.2 billion over the next four years on its crime crackdown. Victims of crime numbers have fallen in data released by a state that launched a controversial youth justice crackdown, with claims of cherry-picking figures. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli revealed police data for the first six months of 2025 showing victim numbers dropping by 5.7 per cent overall compared to 2024, saying the state had begun to "turn things around" under his Liberal National government. Mr Crisafulli had vowed to resign if victims of crime numbers did not fall by the end of his term during his 2024 election campaign. Data released on Tuesday revealed victim numbers across 12 offences including murder, assault, robbery, coercive control, break and enter and stealing cars had dropped from 75,084 to 72,588, contributing to the overall 5.7 per cent decrease. Yet the figures released by the LNP government did not include "other theft". "This is a very, very small step ... but it is proof that if you do back the police, if you do put in place those resources, if you do focus on early intervention, you can turn things around," the premier said. Data revealed break-ins were 12 per cent lower in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Overall there were 23,299 victims of break and enters statewide between January and June 2024, dropping to 21,042 this year. Robbery victims fell to 1077 this year compared to 1211 in the same period of 2024, marking a 13.2 per cent drop. More than 9500 Queenslanders had cars stolen in the first half of 2024 compared to 9213 in 2025, showing a 6.4 per cent decrease. The Labor opposition slammed the lack of data on "other theft", saying it meant thousands of Queenslanders were no longer considered victims under the LNP government. "His victim data isn't worth the paper that it's printed on because he's cut corners, cherry-picked, and removed offences that should matter," opposition leader Steven Miles said. "Victims of other theft could be the local independent grocer who has had stock swiped from their shelves, or someone who's had items stolen from their car." Mr Crisafulli defended not including "other theft", saying the offence may not relate to a person. "I wouldn't be standing here saying to you that someone who's pinched a marker from the side of the road, that's not a victim ... it's a crime," he said. The LNP government won the election on a tough-on-crime approach, introducing its controversial "adult crime, adult time" legislation that ensures youth offenders face mandatory life sentences for murder and manslaughter. It also doubled the maximum sentences for other offences, increasing jail terms for break and enter, car thefts, sexual assault, attempted murder and rape. However, the state government is yet to release its expert advice on the laws that have drawn criticism from youth advocates who claim it breaches human rights. The state budget revealed the government was spending $5.2 billion over the next four years on its crime crackdown. Victims of crime numbers have fallen in data released by a state that launched a controversial youth justice crackdown, with claims of cherry-picking figures. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli revealed police data for the first six months of 2025 showing victim numbers dropping by 5.7 per cent overall compared to 2024, saying the state had begun to "turn things around" under his Liberal National government. Mr Crisafulli had vowed to resign if victims of crime numbers did not fall by the end of his term during his 2024 election campaign. Data released on Tuesday revealed victim numbers across 12 offences including murder, assault, robbery, coercive control, break and enter and stealing cars had dropped from 75,084 to 72,588, contributing to the overall 5.7 per cent decrease. Yet the figures released by the LNP government did not include "other theft". "This is a very, very small step ... but it is proof that if you do back the police, if you do put in place those resources, if you do focus on early intervention, you can turn things around," the premier said. Data revealed break-ins were 12 per cent lower in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Overall there were 23,299 victims of break and enters statewide between January and June 2024, dropping to 21,042 this year. Robbery victims fell to 1077 this year compared to 1211 in the same period of 2024, marking a 13.2 per cent drop. More than 9500 Queenslanders had cars stolen in the first half of 2024 compared to 9213 in 2025, showing a 6.4 per cent decrease. The Labor opposition slammed the lack of data on "other theft", saying it meant thousands of Queenslanders were no longer considered victims under the LNP government. "His victim data isn't worth the paper that it's printed on because he's cut corners, cherry-picked, and removed offences that should matter," opposition leader Steven Miles said. "Victims of other theft could be the local independent grocer who has had stock swiped from their shelves, or someone who's had items stolen from their car." Mr Crisafulli defended not including "other theft", saying the offence may not relate to a person. "I wouldn't be standing here saying to you that someone who's pinched a marker from the side of the road, that's not a victim ... it's a crime," he said. The LNP government won the election on a tough-on-crime approach, introducing its controversial "adult crime, adult time" legislation that ensures youth offenders face mandatory life sentences for murder and manslaughter. It also doubled the maximum sentences for other offences, increasing jail terms for break and enter, car thefts, sexual assault, attempted murder and rape. However, the state government is yet to release its expert advice on the laws that have drawn criticism from youth advocates who claim it breaches human rights. The state budget revealed the government was spending $5.2 billion over the next four years on its crime crackdown.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Crime down but govt accused of cherry picking data
Victims of crime numbers have fallen in data released by a state that launched a controversial youth justice crackdown, with claims of cherry-picking figures. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli revealed police data for the first six months of 2025 showing victim numbers dropping by 5.7 per cent overall compared to 2024, saying the state had begun to "turn things around" under his Liberal National government. Mr Crisafulli had vowed to resign if victims of crime numbers did not fall by the end of his term during his 2024 election campaign. Data released on Tuesday revealed victim numbers across 12 offences including murder, assault, robbery, coercive control, break and enter and stealing cars had dropped from 75,084 to 72,588, contributing to the overall 5.7 per cent decrease. Yet the figures released by the LNP government did not include "other theft". "This is a very, very small step ... but it is proof that if you do back the police, if you do put in place those resources, if you do focus on early intervention, you can turn things around," the premier said. Data revealed break-ins were 12 per cent lower in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Overall there were 23,299 victims of break and enters statewide between January and June 2024, dropping to 21,042 this year. Robbery victims fell to 1077 this year compared to 1211 in the same period of 2024, marking a 13.2 per cent drop. More than 9500 Queenslanders had cars stolen in the first half of 2024 compared to 9213 in 2025, showing a 6.4 per cent decrease. The Labor opposition slammed the lack of data on "other theft", saying it meant thousands of Queenslanders were no longer considered victims under the LNP government. "His victim data isn't worth the paper that it's printed on because he's cut corners, cherry-picked, and removed offences that should matter," opposition leader Steven Miles said. "Victims of other theft could be the local independent grocer who has had stock swiped from their shelves, or someone who's had items stolen from their car." Mr Crisafulli defended not including "other theft", saying the offence may not relate to a person. "I wouldn't be standing here saying to you that someone who's pinched a marker from the side of the road, that's not a victim ... it's a crime," he said. The LNP government won the election on a tough-on-crime approach, introducing its controversial "adult crime, adult time" legislation that ensures youth offenders face mandatory life sentences for murder and manslaughter. It also doubled the maximum sentences for other offences, increasing jail terms for break and enter, car thefts, sexual assault, attempted murder and rape. However, the state government is yet to release its expert advice on the laws that have drawn criticism from youth advocates who claim it breaches human rights. The state budget revealed the government was spending $5.2 billion over the next four years on its crime crackdown.
