Labor makes case for ‘big workforce’ at Brisbane City Council

Labor leader Jared Cassidy has made the case for a “big workforce” at Brisbane City Council, saying local government would reduce its reliance on contracting if his party won a majority at the 2028 election.

The Deagon Ward councillor addressed hundreds of party faithful at the annual Queensland Labor conference on Saturday.

“Brisbane is a big city, it’s time we had a council that thinks big,” he said.

“Labor thinks the time of contracting out as a first option in Brisbane should come to an end.

“We think a big council like Brisbane should employ people in secure jobs to mow our parks, trim trees, clear drains, repair roads, and work in the community building a better society.

“This isn’t just good for council workers, it’s good for the community to see their council taxes at work … when workers win, the city wins.”

Brisbane City Council employs more than 7000 permanent staff, but it also outsources work – including operation of the ferry network – to third-party contractors.

In a statement after his speech, Cassidy did not identify the specific roles he would bring in-house but said broadly reducing reliance on contractors would provide better services for less.

“We know council is contracting out to for-profit companies, returning money to shareholders and cutting corners.

“This is why rates, fees, and charges go up and up year after year but there’s less being delivered in your community.

“Bringing the basics back in-house will deliver better value for ratepayers and better conditions for workers.”

The Labor leader has consistently argued privatisation and outsourcing are a false economy that do not offer residents value for money.

Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the LNP say council maximises investment where it is needed and keeps the burden on ratepayers lower than it would be under an alternative administration.

Cassidy has previously confirmed to this masthead that he is weighing up a run for mayor at the 2028 election.