Media release
Appointment of Executive Director to Fair Work Australia
The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Marion van Rooden as the Executive Director of the Fair Work Australia Establishment Taskforce.
Applications were sought in August 2008 for an Executive Director to commence the necessary planning, stakeholder engagement and operational implementation to establish Fair Work Australia.
Fair Work Australia will be the new independent umpire overseeing the Rudd Government’s new workplace relations system. It will give the public an accessible ‘one-stop-shop’ for practical information, advice and help on workplace issues and ensure compliance with workplace laws.
This appointment is part of the Government’s commitment to a sensible and measured transition to a new fair and balanced workplace relations system.
Fair Work Australia will be fully operational by 1 January 2010 and will replace the following Australian Government agencies:
- Australian Industrial Relations Commission
- Australian Industrial Registry
- Australian Fair Pay Commission
- Australian Fair Pay Commission Secretariat
- Workplace Authority
- Workplace Ombudsman
- Australian Building and Construction Commission (from 1 February 2010).
As Executive Director, Ms van Rooden will work closely with Justice Giudice and the heads of agencies to ensure a smooth transition to Fair Work Australia.
Ms van Rooden’s previous role was Deputy Secretary of Corporate Services and Development in the Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development.
Ms van Rooden has over 20 years experience in the public sector, including
senior executive experience in the delivery of corporate services. She has also worked for 11 years in industrial relations in state jurisdictions, holding senior policy positions in both Queensland and Victoria.
Ms van Rooden will commence as Executive Director in mid October 2008. Her appointment is for a 12-month period.
