January 31, 2025
Mining and Energy Union General President Tony Maher has been appointed Chair of Safe Work Australia, a national tripartite policy body tasked with lifting national workplace health and safety standards by improving work health and safety (WHS) and workers compensation arrangements.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt announced the appointment of Mr Maher on Friday 31 January and thanked outgoing Chair Ms Joanne Farrell for her service.
“Mr Maher brings immense experience to the role and I’m sure he will build on the significant contribution Ms Farrell made to the agency,” Minister Watt said.
“Australian workers have a right to safe and healthy workplaces, and I know Mr Maher will work enthusiastically with employers and workers in his new role.”
Australian Unions have also welcomed the announcement.
“This appointment recognises Tony Maher’s long experience working with industry leaders in workers’ safety, skills, climate change and superannuation,” ACTU Assistant Secretary Liam O’Brien said.
“Mining is a dangerous industry where important safety reforms have been hard won over decades. Tony Maher will bring his experience in mining workplace safety to all parts of the economy.
“Few would understand better than Tony Maher that workplace safety requires strong unions, constant vigilance, education and strong policy and regulatory frameworks to keep workers safe.
“There are always new and emerging safety challenges that require investigation and response, and Tony Maher will play an important role in lifting national workplace safety standards.”
Mr Maher will commence as Chair of Safe Work Australia on 1 February 2025. He will continue in his role as General President of the Mining and Energy Union.