Anna Booth has been appointed as Fair Work Ombudsman.
Ms Booth brings extensive experience in workplace relations to the role, including eight years as Deputy President of the Fair Work Commission from 2012 to 2020.
“I’m confident Ms Booth will execute her duties with skill, rigour and impartiality in the role,” said Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations The Hon Tony Burke MP.
Ms Booth’s 5-year term will begin on 1 September 2023.
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to an independent, trusted and empowered Fair Work Ombudsman,” Minister Burke said.
“The role of the Fair Work Ombudsman is more important than ever as the Government moves to implement a better and fairer workplace relations system for Australian workers.”
It includes promoting harmonious, productive and co-operative workplaces, and improving compliance in workplaces covered by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and fair work instruments.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is responsible for the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s day-to-day operations and overall management of the organisation including governance, financial accountability and reporting requirements.
“My thanks to Ms Sandra Parker PSM for her work as Fair Work Ombudsman since 2018,” Minister Burke said.
“I am grateful for the judgment and professionalism she has applied to the role.”
The term of Ms Parker will end on 14 July 2023. In the period between then and the commencement of Ms Booth on 1 September 2023, Ms Kristen Hannah, Deputy Fair Work Ombudsman, Policy and Communication, will be the Acting Fair Work Ombudsman.
The national employer association Ai Group congratulates Anna Booth on her appointment as the new Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO).
“As a former union leader, Deputy President of the Fair Work Commission, and board member of the NRMA and Commonwealth Bank, Ms Booth has a significant depth of experience that she will be able to draw upon for this challenging role,” Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said.
“Core functions of the FWO include providing education, assistance, advice and guidance to employers and employees. This work will be crucial in the years ahead given the breadth and complexity of the Government’s recently implemented and currently proposed changes to Australia’s workplace relations system. Ai Group looks forward to working constructively with the new Ombudsman.
“We thank outgoing FWO Sandra Parker PSM for her work in the role. She had a consultative approach and recognised that doing the job well involved developing a positive working relationship with employers. We wish her well for the future,” Mr Willox said.