Sandra Parker has been appointed to the position of Fair Work Ombudsman for a 5 year term from 15 July 2018.
Under the Fair Work Act 2009 Sandra is responsible for:
– promoting harmonious, productive and cooperative workplace relations and
– ensuring compliance with Commonwealth workplace laws.
Prior to her appointment as Fair Work Ombudsman, Ms Parker served as a Deputy Secretary at the Department of Jobs and Small Business and its predecessors for eight years. In earlier roles, Ms Parker was the head of the Office of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council and a senior executive at the Commonwealth Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. She has also held various policy and program management positions in the vocational education and training field, at both Commonwealth and state government levels.
Ms Parker began her career in education with secondary teaching roles in Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and in London. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Tasmania and is a graduate of the Australia Institute of Company Directors.
Ms Parker replaces Natalie James who has not been reappointed for a second term.
Appointed by Bill Shorten eight weeks before Labor lost power at the 2013 federal election, Ms James finishes her five-year term next month.
Workplace Minister Craig Laundy said Ms Parker’s distinguished public service career and extensive experience in complex environments including policy, regulation and service delivery roles, made her an exceptional candidate.
Ms Parker was awarded a Public Service Medal for her outstanding contribution to workplace relations policy and program delivery on Australia Day this year.
In a statement, Ms James congratulated Ms Parker.
“I have known and worked with Sandra for some 15 years and have enormous respect for her as a leader and a dedicated and professional public servant,” she said.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as custodian of the Fair Work Ombudsman for the last five years. I thank the talented, innovative people of the Fair Work Ombudsman for their endless commitment and creativity in supporting compliance with workplace laws throughout Australia.”
Workplace Minister Craid Laundy said Ms James had done exceptional work in her five-year term.
“Ms James has taken a very proactive approach to ensuring workers are protected and get what they are owed,” he said.
“She has made a significant contribution to the workplace relations landscape in Australia through educating employees and employers on their rights and responsibilities. She has been very effective in the role and I again thank her for her dedication.”
24/7/2018
