100 signatures reached
To: Dr Freeman - Chief Executive Officer Brisbane City Council
Respect Experience. Protect Wellbeing. Act Now at Brisbane City Council
We, the undersigned, write to express our deep concern regarding the recent directive requiring long-serving employees to obtain additional qualifications within short and, in many cases, unachievable timeframes, or risk being deemed unsuitable for the roles they have successfully performed for many years.
While we appreciate the value of ongoing professional development, these new requirements overlook the real human impact on employees who have dedicated years of service to the Council. Many of the affected employees have decades of experience and are award recipients, change leaders, and highly respected contributors within their teams. Their commitment, practical knowledge, and proven capability have been vital to the Council’s success.
The introduction of mandatory qualifications without adequate transition arrangements is creating a significant psychosocial risk within the workplace. Employees are experiencing heightened anxiety and uncertainty about their ongoing job security, despite many having excelled in their roles for decades. For those now expected to undertake study, the burden is substantial—balancing coursework with full-time workloads, family responsibilities, and personal commitments places real pressure on their wellbeing. The prospect of demotion or being deemed unsuitable for their role, despite long histories of strong performance, is understandably distressing and perceived as punitive rather than supportive or developmental.
To ensure fairness, maintain morale, and uphold the values of Council, we request that Council:
- Implement a realistic transition phase, allowing employees adequate time to obtain any required qualifications.
- Provide genuine support, including paid study leave, flexible arrangements, and financial assistance for course fees.
- Recognise prior experience, capability, and service as an alternative pathway where formal qualifications are not essential to effective performance.
- Introduce a grandfathering arrangement for employees who are unable to attain the qualifications despite genuine efforts, ensuring they are not disadvantaged.
- Commit to salary maintenance for employees who do not hold the new qualifications but have demonstrated long-term competence in their roles.
These measures will help reduce unnecessary stress, rebuild trust, and demonstrate the Council’s commitment to valuing its workforce—not just for their qualifications, but for their years of knowledge, skill, and contribution.
We ask Council to work with us to implement a fair and respectful approach that supports employees through this change rather than penalising them for circumstances beyond their control.
Why is this important?
This isn’t just policy—it’s people. At least 15 members, some with over 40 years of service, now face demotion or job loss. These are workers who have kept Brisbane running through thick and thin, many honoured with the Lord Mayor’s Award of Excellence.
Council wants to turn desirable qualifications into mandatory requirements overnight. That’s not fair. It’s time to stand together and demand a fair transition that respects experience and safeguards wellbeing.
By signing this petition, you demand a fair transition, genuine support, recognition of experience, and safeguards against punitive outcomes. Together, we can ensure Council values people—not just paperwork.
Add your voice, sign now!