Mining and Energy Union’s Tony Maher appointed Chair of Safe Work Australia

Media Release - January 31, 2025

Australian Unions have welcomed today’s announcement of Mining and Energy Union General President, Tony Maher as the new Chair of Safe Work Australia.

Safe Work Australia is a national tripartite policy body tasked with lifting national workplace health and safety standards by improving work health and safety (WHS) and workers compensation arrangements.

Tony Maher replaces long-term mining executive Joanne Farrell as Safe Work Australia Chair and currently holds positions on the boards of Mine Super and the Net Zero Economy Authority.

Quotes attributable to ACTU Assistant Secretary, Liam O’Brien:

“This appointment recognises Tony Maher’s long experience working with industry leaders in workers’ safety, skills, climate change and superannuation.

“Tony Maher first started work in the resources industry in 1979 at Rio Tinto’s silver lead and zinc mine in Broken Hill.

“He has served as General President of the Mining and Energy Union since 1998, as well as being a member of the NSW tripartite Mine Safety Advisory Council.

“He has also been a Director of Australia’s premier mines rescue service – Mines Rescue.

“Mining is a dangerous industry where important safety reforms have been hard won over decades.

“Tony Maher will bring his experience in mining workplace safety to all parts of the economy.

“Few would understand better than Tony Maher that workplace safety requires strong unions, constant vigilance, education and strong policy and regulatory frameworks to keep workers safe.

“There are always new and emerging safety challenges that require investigation and response, and Tony Maher will play an important role in lifting national workplace safety standards.”

The ACTU Network

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