A New Code for Queensland Government Projects

The Queensland Commission of Inquiry into the construction industry has released a discussion paper for the introduction of a new code for Olympic and State Government works.

The Inquiry is seeking feedback from industry stakeholders by 24 July 2026.

The discussion paper suggests an operative date of early 2027, which will be in time for the procurement of the Olympics.

The implementation guidelines are similar to previous codes in prohibiting certain workplace arrangements or practices as follows:

• Applying direct or indirect coercion or pressure on another party to make over-award payments.
• Payments to industry superannuation, redundancy and income protection funds which provide for contributions in excess of award and legislative requirements.
• Provisions that require, or have the effect of coercing or pressuring, any third party including labour-hire firms or group apprenticeship schemes or similar providers to set particular terms and conditions.
• Provisions that restrict productivity improvement, including ratios of labour, one in all in, last on first off, and the working of RDOs.
• An entitlement for employees to take paid time off to attend union activities.
• Relaxation of the right of entry provisions for officials of industrial organisations.

In short, the new code, like previous codes, will be designed to prevent the cascading of industrial arrangements from principal contractor to subcontractor, restrictive work practices and the removal of union official rights beyond the legal minimum.

For the related change at Federal level, see our article on the Building Cooperative Workplaces Bill, To EBA or not to EBA?

What this means for you

• Feedback to the Inquiry closes 24 July 2026; the discussion paper proposes an operative date of early 2027.
• Review agreements against the prohibited arrangements: over-award coercion, above-award fund contributions, restrictions on productivity, paid union time and expanded right of entry.
• Consider what a code obligation means for terms cascading from principal contractor to subcontractor.

For advice on how these changes apply to your business, contact the Drayton’s team.