Appointments to the Fair Work Commission

Minister for Employment Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash today announced the appointment of two new Deputy Presidents and two new Commissioners to the Fair Work Commission as well as the extension of the appointment of Acting Commissioner Danny Cloghan.

Ms Melanie Binet has been appointed Deputy President effective from 1 February 2016. Ms Binet is Principal and Director of Legal Services at Perth based law firm Gregor & Binet.

Mr Richard Clancy has been appointed Deputy President effective from 3 February 2016. Mr Clancy is Director of Workplace Relations at the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Ms Katrina Harper-Greenwell has been appointed Commissioner effective from 1 February 2016. Ms Harper-Greenwell is an employment relations consultant who has held senior positions in major mine, road, rail and infrastructure projects in Australia.

Ms Jennifer Hunt has been appointed Commissioner effective from 8 February 2016. Ms Hunt is Employee and Industrial Relations Manager at Toll Holdings Ltd.

The terms of these appointments are from the date of effect until the appointees reach the statutory retirement age of 65.

Minister Cash said all the appointees bring a wealth of experience to their new roles.

“These new appointees to the Fair Work Commission are all highly experienced in workplace relations law and the practice of workplace relations at the coalface,” Minister Cash said.

“I congratulate each on their appointment and thank them for agreeing to serve the Australian community in these important capacities.”

“I’m sure the skills and experience each will bring to the Commission will assist in its work of ensuring Australia has fairer and more productive workplaces.”

The appointment of Acting Commissioner Danny Cloghan, a Perth based Fair Work Commissioner, has been extended to 31 October 2016 to assist the Commission in managing its workload in Western Australia where there are currently only two other Commission members.

The appointments were made by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) yesterday.