An AMWU member who was stood down from his job at the Gladstone Regional Council for writing a letter to the local paper is appealing to the Minister for Local Government in Queensland for assistance to get his job back.

Don Schmidt was stood down after a letter of his was published in the Gladstone Observer on 4 July, in response to an article regarding drug and alcohol testing at the Council.

North Queensland AMWU organiser Phil Golby said that support for Mr Schmidt was coming from all quarters as many people are outraged at the council's actions.

“This is a gross infringement on the freedom of speech. Don, like everyone else, has a right to express his views as a citizen and a worker.”

The minister for Local Government, Denise Boyle is looking into the matter and Mr Schmidt is hopeful that the matter can be resolved.

Mr Golby said the letter had been written by Mr Schmidt as a rate payer and did not identify him as a council employee.

In the letter Mr Schmidt questioned why the new drug and alcohol policy applied only to workers and not councillors.

After the letter's publication, the Council stood Mr Schmidt down and has since banned him from visiting any council-owned facilities.

Mr Golby said the ban prohibited Mr Schmidt from going to a whole range of places including parks.

“This ban means he can't even go down to the local park and have a barbecue. It's ridiculous.

“His right to freedom of expression as a citizen and a worker have been curtailed and we are going to fight for his re instatement.”