Today I announce the promotion of two Deputy Presidents and the extension of an Acting Commissioner to the Fair Work Commission.
The Albanese Labor Government is committed to a balanced Fair Work Commission which prioritises fairness, justice, transparency and openness.
These appointees bring different perspectives and valuable life experience to their roles, and I am confident they will continue to execute their duties with impartiality and diligence.
Ms Michelle Bissett is a proven leader in the unfair dismissal jurisdiction, and I thank her for agreeing to an Acting Commissioner role for 12 months.
Mr Peter Hampton and Ms Bernadette O’Neill have been promoted to Deputy Presidents.
Mr Hampton and Ms O’Neill have been appointed until the age of 65. Ms Bissett has been appointed for a one-year term, commencing 2 November 2022.
The Fair Work Commission’s work will be more important than ever as the Government progresses ambitious workplace relations reforms to lift wages, increase job security and ensure a fairer bargaining system for Australian workers.
Biographies:
Mr Peter Hampton has been a Commissioner of the Fair Work Commission since 2010. Before then, Mr Hampton was a Deputy President of the Industrial Relations Commission of South Australia. Mr Hampton has experience in leadership roles with Business SA and the South Australian Employers’ Federation Inc.
Ms Bernadette O’Neill has been a Commissioner of the Fair Work Commission since 2021. Before then, Ms O’Neill was General Manager of the Fair Work Commission. Ms O’Neill has experience in leadership roles with Industrial Relations Victoria and with the Australian Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union, and has worked as an Associate with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.
Ms Michelle Bissett has been a Commissioner of the Fair Work Commission since 2010. Before her appointment to the Fair Work Commission, Ms Bissett was Senior Industrial Officer with the Australian Council of Trade Unions. Ms Bissett also has experience in leadership roles with the Community and Public Sector Union.
