The NSW Government has announced the appointment of Janet Schorer as its inaugural SafeWork NSW Commissioner.
Ms Schorer brings more than 27 years’ experience from key public sector agencies including the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Department of Family and Community Services.
Commencing her career as a registered nurse, she has been able to apply her passion for the wellbeing of vulnerable communities throughout her work history. More recently she served as the Chief Delivery Officer for TAFE NSW.
“The establishment of SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator and the appointment of a new Commissioner reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to preventing workplace deaths, injuries and illnesses,” said Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis.
“The new structure will ensure SafeWork NSW will become a strong, robust and fit-for-purpose regulator capable of effectively securing safer and healthier workplaces in NSW.
“I would like to congratulate Janet Schorer on her appointment and also thank Dr Petrina Casey for her efforts while serving in the role as Acting SafeWork NSW Commissioner.”
With SafeWork NSW becoming a standalone regulator on July 1, the incoming Commissioner will address policy, compliance, best practices and meaningful engagement with workers, unions, businesses and the Family and Injured Workers Support and Advisory Group (FISWAG) to make for a stronger and more robust organisation.
A National Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia, Ms Schorer was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2019. She is also Vice President of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) NSW.
Among her many key responsibilities will be a focus on preventing and managing silica and other dust related diseases associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
“I am honoured to be joining SafeWork NSW as we take our first step towards reshaping the agency into the strong and robust regulator needed to make workplaces secure, safe and healthy,” said Ms Schorer.
“Community engagement is paramount to supporting decision-making and I look forward to working with workers, representatives from employer organisations, unions, support groups and people with lived experiences to ensure people are going to the safest possible workplaces.
“The safety and wellbeing of every worker in NSW is of upmost importance and with my career focused on driving reform to improve lives particularly for vulnerable groups, I look forward to continuing SafeWork NSW’s work to strengthen its systems and practices.”
Ms Schorer’s appointment follows an extensive recruitment process. She will take up her role as Commissioner from Monday, 14 July.
SafeWork NSW is the state’s work health and safety regulator with more than 750 staff, providing a vital role in protecting the health and safety of workers in NSW by engaging with businesses, workers and the NSW community to prevent work-related fatalities and serious injuries.
