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Remember the dead fight for the living

On Thursday 28 April, workers solemnly gathered in Emma Miller Place in Brisbane for International Workers’ Memorial Day. On this day we remember all workers who were killed or injured in their employment.

We also took time to acknowledge the challenging work and dedication of our essential workers throughout the pandemic and recent floods.

As we stood this day to pay our respects 25 workers in Queensland had lost their lives in the 12 months to February 2022.

Significant days like International Workers Memorial Day importantly remind us of where we have come from, what we have achieved but also to remind
us that the fight is never over.

There will always be room for improvement in workplace safety, and we must do better. Any death is a death too many, totally unacceptable and potentially preventable.

We also reflected on workers who suffer injuries or illness in the course of their work. Thank you to all who attended memorial events on the day.

We must remember the dead and fight for the living because safety matters.

Nurse Elesha Dawson shares her story with the memorial crowd.

Nurse Elesha Dawson shared with the Memorial crowd stories of her late father, Graham, just 62, killed in a mine collapse in central Queensland last
year.

She spoke of his love for family, his job, and being part of his union. She said careless companies need to be prosecuted for failing to make workplaces safe.

“I miss you Dad and I love you. Rest in peace. We won’t rest until no worker dies or is injured while simply doing their job.”