Key changes and appointments have taken place at SafeWork NSW, including the appointment of its inaugural commissioner to lead the regulator.
Janet Schorer has been appointed as the new SafeWork NSW Commissioner. Schorer has more than 27 years of experience in key public sector agencies, including the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Family and Community Services.
In her new role, Schorer will look at policy, compliance, best practices and meaningful engagement with workers, unions, businesses and the Family and Injured Workers Support and Advisory Group (FISWAG).
A key part of her role will involve preventing and managing silica in NSW infrastructure projects. This follows SafeWork NSW becoming a standalone regulator on July 1, with Schorer taking up her role on July 14.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
New structure in place
NSW Work Health and Safety minister Sophie Cotsis said the changes to make SafeWork NSW a standalone regulator was important.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
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