Woman arrested for throwing eggs as thousands gather for Labour Day March
Thousands of workers and union members gathered in Brisbane this morning for the annual Labour Day March to celebrate the international fight for workers rights.
Despite a mostly peaceful event, a pro-Palestine protester was arrested for allegedly throwing eggs.
The march, which began at the corner of Wharf and Turbot streets, was led by Premier Steven Miles, walking with his daughter and alongside fellow state Labor MPs.
Premier Steven Miles with daughter and fellow state MPs leads the annual Labour Day March in Brisbane this morning. Credit: Courtney Kruk
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was notably absent from the event, with Miles telling the morning’s press conference he was unsure why the PM was unable to attend.
“He does love coming to Queensland and he does love Labour Day so I’m not sure why he was unable to get here today,” Miles said.
“I’m sure there’s some kind of itinerary explanation...he’ll definitely be here in spirit.”
Miles was joined by Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman and Deputy Premier Cameron Dick to announce an Australia-first initiative to grant 10 days reproductive health leave for Queensland public servants.
The entitlements will allow government workers to take paid leave to receive fertility treatments, address chronic reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis and preventative screening for breast and prostate cancers.
“We want the Queensland Public Service to be a place that people aspire to work, in part because it has conditions that support and acknowledge how important our employees are,” Miles said.
The scheme is set to be in place by the end of September and cost an estimated $80 million a year.
Ahead of the march, Miles and Queensland Council of Unions General Secretary Jacqueline King commented on recent events involving major construction union CFMEU, also one of the largest organisations joining today’s annual march.
Asked about last week’s dispute involving CFMEU workers and Cross River Rail sites, Premier Steven Miles said there “is no place for violence, bullying and intimidation”.Credit: Neesha Sinnya
CFMEU members walked off Cross River Rail sites across Brisbane last week, forming picket lines and protesting over an ongoing dispute with CPB, the contractor behind the Queensland government’s largest infrastructure project.
Footage also emerged during the dispute of CFMEU members physically preventing another worker from entering the CRR site in Annerley, leading to a scuffle between members and non-aligned members.
“Every worker, no matter where you work and what industry you work in, is entitled to advocate, campaign and take action to improve your safety, your conditions and your wages,” King said.
“Every worker and every person also deserves to have a safe and respectful workplace ... if there is violence from anyone, whether it’s an employer or from a union or from individuals, we do not condone that. That is the antithesis of union values, which include safety and respect.”
Miles added: “There is no place for violence, bullying and intimidation.”
The hovering tensions of the last week appeared absent from the march, with CFMEU supporters forming one of the largest groups to turn out for the event.
CFMEU chants were interspersed with expressions of solidarity for Palestine, with pro-Palestine supporters present on the sidelines and throughout the parade.
A pro-Palestine protestor was arrested in Fortitude Valley for allegedly throwing eggs at an unconfirmed group or target in the crowd. Credit: Courtney Kruk
While the bulk of the march seen from Cathedral Square was passionate and by-and-large peaceful, tensions did emerge at a point in the parade, with police arresting a pro-Palestine protester in Fortitude Valley for allegedly throwing eggs into the crowd.
“The woman allegedly attempted to interfere with the march, with officers attempting to move her on peacefully,” police said.
“She failed to comply with police direction and was subsequently arrested.”
Police were unable to confirm who or which organisation the egging was directed to and said they were continuing to investigate the incident.