The state government has appointed Jennifer Smith as Senior Commissioner to the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission, making her the first woman to hold the role.
Employment Protection Minister John Bowler said the appointment of Ms Smith demonstrated the State Government's continued commitment to the State industrial relations system and support for the valuable role played by the WAIRC.
"The role of the WAIRC is vital to maintaining job security and peace of mind for employees and their families," he said.
"Ms Smith has substantial legal experience in numerous areas of law including industrial law and constitutional law, and will further strengthen the capacity of the commission to maintain the rights of WA workers."
Prior to working in the WAIRC Ms Smith worked for the Crown Solicitor's Office for about 15 years.
Having been first appointed to the WAIRC as a Commissioner in 2000, Ms Smith would take on the role of Senior Commissioner from November 24.
"The Carpenter Government supports a system which protects employees' job security and provides people with access to an independent umpire to resolve work disputes," Mr Bowler said.
"Senior Commissioner Smith and her colleagues at the WAIRC play an important role by offering services to assist in the resolution of workplace disputes in the State and helping to ensure fairer, safer and more productive workplaces in WA.
"This system gives workers and their families peace of mind and ultimately job security which is important in today's workplace," he said.
