Queensland Politicians Circle the Wagons

PHOTO Mr Newman says the changes provide more certainty for public

sector workers.  AAP: DAN PELED - FILE PHOTO

Circle the wagons time! -AK

Queensland Parliament passes law to protect public servants from private legal action

BY ERIC TLOZEK
UPDATED THU 13 FEB 2014, 8:39 AM AEDT
Campbell Newman
http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-13/law-passed-to-protect-public-servants-from-legal-action/5256674

PHOTO Mr Newman says the changes provide more certainty for public sector workers.
AAP: DAN PELED - FILE PHOTO

The Queensland Government has passed a law protecting individual public servants and police from being privately sued.

It means complainants will have to take action against the State of Queensland, instead of the person responsible.

But the legislation also allows the Government to recover the money if the staff fail to act in good faith or commit acts of gross negligence.

Premier Campbell Newman says the changes provide more certainty.

"It is about letting Queensland's public servants know, letting our police, our doctors and nurses, our staff on the front desks of client service centres know, that they will be supported in performing their roles," he said.

POSTED THU 13 FEB 2014, 8:09 AM AEDT