Statement by Steve Knott AM, Chief Executive
AREEA welcomes the Australian Government today making three exceptional appointments to Australia’s national employment tribunal, the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
The appointment to Deputy President of Peter Anderson – business experienced, legally qualified, and well regarded both domestically and internationally – ticks all the boxes for the type of people the FWC needs to restore its credibility and independence.
Peter is widely-known and well-regarded by business, unions and the legal community, most notably for his six-year leadership of the nation’s umbrella business representative organisation, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
AREEA worked very closely with Peter during this time and found him to be a highly effective and considered statesman, engaging equally with all social partners to support valuable investment and employment outcomes in Australia.
Perhaps less well known is the high regard to which Peter is held at the international level, having been our region’s representative for the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). In that role, Peter has advocated Australia’s interests and values in discussions on workplace relations, youth unemployment, freedom of association, economic and taxation policy and many other key social issues.
AREEA also congratulates the two additional appointees announced today: Corrs Chambers Westgarth Partner, Alan Colman, as Deputy President; and Sarah McKinnon, general manager of workplace relations and legal affairs at the National Farmers’ Federation, as Commissioner.
Mr Colman and Ms McKinnon are both highly qualified and have the type of broad experience across law, workplace relations and business that will see the FWC better support employment outcomes in the future.
In recent months AREEA has highlighted the issue of growing vacancies at the FWC and the urgent need for new appointees to have business experience and legal qualifications.
We are pleased the Australian Government has acted to fill vacancies on the national employment tribunal and have selected quality appointees who add considerably to the FWC’s bench strength.
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