Queensland youth detention workers strike over wages and safety

Hundreds of frontline youth detention workers and child safety staff in Queensland began a 24-hour strike on Monday, walking off their posts at major centres in Brisbane and North Queensland. The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) initiated the industrial action following a breakdown in wage negotiations, with secretary Stacey Schinnerl calling for a higher wage offer and greater respect for staff working in high-risk environments.

The union has warned that the detention centres are a “tinderbox” due to overcrowding and safety concerns. Schinnerl reported that over 500 serious staff assaults have occurred in these workplaces over the last 12 months, averaging more than one assault per day.

The strike coincides with political tension regarding proposed breach bail laws. While Premier David Crisafulli and Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber have promoted the new legislation, union representatives argue that such laws will exacerbate overcrowding and compromise staff safety. Premier Crisafulli has dismissed concerns regarding overcrowding.