Our Agency

We are jointly funded by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments through an Intergovernmental Agreement. 

We are an inclusive, tripartite body—we work collaboratively with governments, employers and workers—to drive national policy development on WHS and workers’ compensation matters. We work to: 

  • coordinate and develop national policy and strategies 

  • assist with the implementation of model WHS legislation and reform the legislative framework 

  • carry out and publish research 

  • collect, analyse and report data. 

As a national policy body, we do not regulate WHS laws. The Commonwealth, states and territories retain responsibility for regulating and enforcing WHS laws in their jurisdictions. 

Organisational chart

Chief Executive Officer: Michelle Baxter

     Office of the CEO – Director: Damien Crisp

Deputy Chief Executive Officer: Amanda Johnston

     Office of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer

  • Special Counsel: Leah Edwards
  • Secretariat and Governance – Director: Damien Crisp
  • Legal and Procurement – Director/General Counsel: Kim Begbie
  • Enabling Services – Senior Director: Nicole Parkes
    • Corporate Services – Director: Kyra Hutchison
    • Financial Services – Director: Rachael Horsburgh
    • People Strategies – Director:  
       
  • Chemicals & Occupational Hygiene Policy – Branch Manager: Rebecca Newton
    • Chemicals Policy & WES Review – Director: Leanne McCauley
    • Occupational Diseases & Hygiene Policy – Director: Maryanne Shoobridge
    • Silica Policy - Director: Megan Downie
       
  • Evidence, Communications & Industries Policy – Branch Manager: Meredith Bryant
    • Data Improvement and Analysis – Director: Phillip Wise
    • Communications – Director: Amber Skurr
    • High Risk Work & Industries Policy – Director: Nathan Lee
       
  • WHS Framework & Workers' Compensation Policy – Branch Manager: Sarah Costelloe
    • Workers' Compensation Policy – Director: Corey Grandin  ​​​
    • Psychosocial & Consultation Policy – Director: Katherine Taylor
    • WHS Framework – Director: Sinead McHugh