LGAQ IR Helpdesk

We are answering more helpdesk queries from councils than ever before, due to the COVID-19 crisis. In response to this increased need and in collaboration with the LGAQ, our team has increased our support to councils. This support includes the development of factsheets for councils on how to navigate the crisis from an industrial relations/employment perspective. The following factsheets have been provided and are accessible by clicking on the links below:

• FACT SHEET - Stand Downs during COVID-19
• FACT SHEET - Working from Home and Hours of Work

For further information please contact the LGAQ IR Helpdesk on 1300 542 700, we would encourage all councils to continue to make use of this member service provided by the team on behalf of the LGAQ.

A message from the Peak Services Workforce and Legal Team

We have also received several queries requesting advice as to whether councils should seek to defer matters that involve work health and safety and workplace grievances during this period.

During these unprecedented times, now more than ever, local governments need to be ever mindful of meeting their work health and safety obligations, including ensuring, “so far as is reasonably practicable the provision and maintenance of a work environment without risks to health and safety” (Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)).  Councils should not (and do not need to) sit on workplace complaints, grievances or any other employment related matters because of the impact of COVID-19.  To do so potentially exposes a council to a range of otherwise avoidable liabilities, including exacerbating the complaint or grievance, a claim of inaction, failure of duty of care, vicarious liability, work health and safety liability and/or a workers’ compensation claim.  Councils must continue to act on complaints/grievances and other employment matters in the workplace as they arise without delay. 

Our priority is to support and provide a safeguard to councils and our team are well equipped to respond to these matters without impacting on the quality and timeliness of our expert services. Through the use of technology, we are able to continue providing support to councils to resolve any matters as they arise.  As we have done in the past, we can and will engage with you on an individual basis to determine the most appropriate service delivery method in consideration of the current constraints we are all faced with.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss please contact our Legal Practice Director, Troy Wild on 0437 418692.