SafeWork NSW Advisory Council

The SafeWork Advisory Council is established under section 155D of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) as part of the major reforms establishing SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator.

What is the Advisory Council?

The functions of the SafeWork Advisory Council (Advisory Council) are:

  • to monitor emerging risks and trends in the field of work health and safety
  • to advise the SafeWork Commissioner on the strategic direction and priorities of SafeWork NSW
  • to advise the SafeWork Commissioner or the Minister on any matters referred to the Advisory Council by the SafeWork Commissioner or the Minister
  • other functions conferred on the Advisory Council by or under the WHS Act or the regulations, or another law.

See the Ministerial announcement of the launch of the inaugural SafeWork Advisory Council.

Advisory Council members

Under Schedule 1A of the WHS Act, the Advisory Council brings together the SafeWork Commissioner and members appointed by the Minister who represent employers, unions, work health and safety experts, advocacy organisations, and people with lived experience of workplace injury or death.

The Advisory Council is comprised of 8 to 12 members, for fixed terms. The functions of the Advisory Council are set out under section 155E of the WHS Act and members have specific responsibilities under the Advisory Council Charter are bound by the Advisory Council’s Code of Conduct.

The inaugural Advisory Council membership is as follows:

  • Michael Quinlan, work health and safety expert (Chair)
  • Brad Armitage, Housing Industry Association
  • Tracey Browne, Australian Industry Group
  • Amber Flohm, NSW Teachers Federation
  • Natasha Flores, Unions NSW nomination (Workers Health Centre)
  • Elizabeth Greenwood, Business NSW
  • Sherri Hayward, Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union
  • Louise Howard, work health and safety expert
  • Marija Marsic, Transport Workers’ Union
  • Debra Pascall, lived experience representative
  • David Solomon, Master Builders Association
  • Janet Schorer, SafeWork Commissioner

Advisory Council Charter

The Advisory Council Charter (PDF, 329.9 KB) sets out the objectives, functions, and basic governance principles of the Advisory Council.

Meetings and communiqués

The Advisory Council meets regularly throughout the year. A communique will be published following each meeting.

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