Appointment of Fair Work Ombudsman

The Australian Government has today announced the appointment of Sandra Parker PSM as the Fair Work Ombudsman for a five-year term, commencing on 15 July 2018.

Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and Deregulation, Craig Laundy, said Ms Parker has been appointed following a merit-based selection process.

"I congratulate Ms Parker on her appointment. Her distinguished public service career, and extensive experience in complex environments including policy, regulation and service delivery roles, make her an exceptional candidate for the position," Minister Laundy said.

"Highly regarded in her field, Ms Parker was awarded a Public Service Medal for her outstanding contribution to workplace relations policy and program delivery on Australia Day 2018."

For the past eight years Ms Parker has served as a Deputy Secretary at the Department of Jobs and Small Business and its predecessors. Prior to this she was the head of the Office of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council and held senior executive roles in the vocational education and training field at Commonwealth and state government levels.

"Ms Parker’s outstanding qualities, management skills and wide-ranging experience in stakeholder engagement are well-suited to the Office’s important role of promoting harmonious, productive and co-operative Australian workplaces," Minister Laundy said.

Minister Laundy also acknowledged the significant service of outgoing Fair Work Ombudsman, Ms Natalie James.

"I would like to thank Ms James for her exceptional work during her five year term. Ms James has taken a very proactive approach to ensuring workers are protected and get what they are owed. 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," Minister Laundy said.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is an independent statutory office holder established under the Fair Work Act 2009 and is responsible for the overall management of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman. The key functions of the Office are to provide information and advice, investigating workplace complaints and enforcing Commonwealth workplace laws.