Queensland unions are slamming a reduction in business insurance premiums as a free kick for dodgy bosses at the expense of injured workers.
Premier Campbell Newman and Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie have sent business policy holders a joint letter hailing how average premiums will fall by 17 per cent from July 1 when new workers' compensation laws come into effect.
Employers are set to receive an extra $1 billion during the next four years.
"The Queensland workers' compensation scheme will have the cheapest average premium rate in the country for businesses and the strongest safety net for workers," the letter said.
But Queensland Council of Unions General Secretary Ron Monaghan said the Queensland government had stripped injured workers of their rights and rewarded big business with a windfall.
"This is another free kick for dodgy employers who want to shirk their responsibility to maintain safe workplaces," he said on Tuesday.
The Australian Industry Group, however, said the reduction in business premiums would be a "much needed shot in the arm for industry".
State parliament passed the controversial laws in October, just two days after they were introduced.
The changes mean workers will not be able to seek compensation if they are injured on the job and their impairment is less than five per cent.
Bosses will also have access to a job applicant's injury history.
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