Bringing extensive experience.
The Federal Government will replace Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James with the Department of Jobs and Small Business deputy secretary, Sandra Parker (pictured), effective 15 July 2018.
For the past eight years, Parker has served as a deputy secretary at the Department of Jobs and Small Business and its predecessors. Prior to this, she was the head of the Office of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council and held senior executive roles in the vocational education and training field at Commonwealth and state government levels.
Parker was awarded a Public Service Medal for her outstanding contribution to workplace relations policy and program delivery on Australia Day 2018.
Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and Deregulation, Craig Laundy, said Parker had been appointed following a merit-based selection process.
“I congratulate Ms Parker on her appointment. Her distinguished public service career and extensive experience in complex environments including policy, regulation and service delivery roles, make her an exceptional candidate for the position,” Minister Laundy said.
Outgoing Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James said, “I have known and worked with Sandra for some 15 years and have enormous respect for her as a leader and a dedicated and professional public servant. I thank the talented, innovative people of the Fair Work Ombudsman for their endless commitment and creativity in supporting compliance with workplace laws throughout Australia.”
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb congratulated Parker on her appointment and said she looked forward to working with her throughout her term as Ombudsman.
“We look forward to working constructively with her throughout her five-year term to advance the issues at the forefront of the retail sector. Ms Parker comes to the role following a distinguished career in public service and we are optimistic of forging a positive relationship with someone of such high pedigree.
“The NRA would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge outgoing Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James and we wish her all the best in future endeavours.”