Brittany Higgins has criticized the Queensland government for delaying crucial workplace safety law reforms aimed at addressing sexual harassment.

This indefinite pause affects the positive duty workplace sexual harassment laws, which were set to be enforced by July 2025.

As a former Liberal staffer and sexual assault survivor, Higgins argues that this delay reflects the government's failure to take women's concerns seriously.

She emphasized that the postponement demonstrates a disregard for women's safety and called for immediate action to protect Queenslanders in their workplaces.

The Attorney-General, Deb Frecklington, announced the halt to the law changes in March 2025, citing concerns from the justice department about implications for individuals with irrelevant criminal records.

The paused legislation could have prevented discrimination against individuals charged but not convicted of domestic violence offenses regarding weapons licenses.

Originally, the Respect at Work reforms were passed by the previous Labor government to impose a legal obligation on employers to prevent discrimination and harassment.

Scott McDougall, Queensland's Human Rights Commissioner, expressed disappointment over the government's decision, warning it could lead to consultation fatigue for victims of discrimination.

Labor MP Shannon Fentiman criticized the government for failing to prioritize women's rights and adequately address sexual harassment in the workplace.

Advocacy organizations, including Equality Australia, have highlighted that the pause leaves vulnerable communities, such as those with disabilities and LGBTI individuals, unprotected.

Premier David Crisafulli acknowledged the importance of the issue but defended the delay by stating that the Labor legislation was rushed and criticized by various stakeholders.

Higgins' comments come after her recent defamation trial, where it was found that her colleague Bruce Lehrmann sexually assaulted her in March 2019, a decision he is currently appealing.