THREE Deputy Presidents Abbey Beaumont, Amber Millhouse and Ian Masson have been appointed to the Fair Work Commission.

Abbey Beaumont is Fortescue Metals Group People and Employer Relations Manager, a member of AREEA’s Board Reference Group and highly respected and regarded in the WA business community, legal and industrial relations communities.

Amber Millhouse is a Workplace Relations Lawyer renowned for her expert legal advice assisting small, medium and large businesses.

Ian Masson is ExxonMobil’s IR Manager, a former Vice President HR at Woodside Energy, and also a former AREEA Workplace Relations Director, with significant experience on mega resource sector projects and critical supply chain service providers.

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said the trio had “excellent knowledge and the necessary experience” and noted they were “highly qualified and well regarded in their respective professions”.

She said she was “particularly pleased that two high calibre women have been appointed to the FWC”.

AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott said the appointments were a welcome step to continue “closing what remains a glaring talent and gender diversity gap at the FWC”.

In a media statement Mr Knott highlighted Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen’s claims the Labor Party had succeeded in reaching a 40% target of female appointments on Government boards in 2013.

“However, the FWC was left in the dark ages when Labor left Government with only 17% female representation across its ranks,” he stated.

“(The) appointments increase female representation to 39% and will substantially add to the strength of the Fair Work Commission through increased experience and expertise.

In the past two years, seven of the 11 appointments to the Fair Work Commission made by Minister Cash have been women.

AREEA supports the decisive action by the Minister to address the diversity gap and encourages where practical to do so the continuation of closing the gender diversity gap that currently exists within the FWC.