The Turnbull Government will make new appointments to the FWC “shortly”, after the resignation of Senior Deputy President Matthew O’Callaghan.
The resignation of Adelaide-based O’Callaghan follows the controversial departure last month of Vice President Graeme Watson, who left with strong criticism of the Fair Work Commission.
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said today the Government “will be making further appointments to the Fair Work Commission shortly”.
Australian Mines and Metals Association chief executive Steve Knott said SDP O’Callaghan’s departure gave the government an “opportunity to overhaul a tribunal in crisis”.
In a statement, Knott said the government should fill the vacancies with appointments at commissioner-level to address a top-heavy structure of presidential appointments.
He said new appointees should have “real experience running businesses and employing people rather than recruiting from the ‘IR club’ of ex-trade union bosses and labour lawyers”.
FWC President Iain Ross said in a statement that Senior Deputy President O’Callaghan has been a member of the Commission since 1 February 2001.
He leaves at the end of April.
“I thank the Senior Deputy President for his service to the Commission and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Justice Ross said.
This coverage featured in Workplace Express Thursday, February 16, 2017, 7:20pm
