A BARRISTER and a head of a not-for-profit legal centre have been appointment by the Western Australian Government as commissioners of the state’s Industrial Relations Commission.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin announced the appointments of Toni Emmanuel who has headed up the Employment Law Centre of Western Australia for the past nine years, and Damian Matthews who is a barrister and solicitor of 23 years with the State Solicitor’s Office.

“Ms Emmanuel has spent most of her legal career tirelessly helping vulnerable employees in a wide range of employment matters,” Mr Mischin said.

“Mr Matthews has worked for both Liberal and Labor governments over the years and has proven his professionalism and impartiality in many complex matters.

“The appointments demonstrate the state government’s commitment to ensuring the commission is able to deliver the sort of service West Australians are entitled to expect.”

The appointments were made following the resignations of commissioners Jennifer Harrison and Stephanie Mayman last year.