Inaugural SafeWork NSW Commissioner takes up role

Today, the inaugural SafeWork NSW Commissioner, Janet Schorer, takes up her role, bringing more than 27 years of public sector agency experience to the position — including in the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Family and Community Services. The commencement of Schorer as inaugural SafeWork NSW Commissioner follows SafeWork NSW becoming a standalone regulator on 1 July; the WHS regulator has more than 750 staff.

“The establishment of SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator and the appointment of a new Commissioner reflects the Minns Labor government’s commitment to preventing workplace deaths, injuries and illnesses,” NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said.

“The new structure will ensure SafeWork NSW will become a strong, robust and fit-for-purpose regulator capable of effectively securing safer and healthier workplaces in NSW,” Cotsis added. “I would like to congratulate Janet Schorer on her appointment and also thank Dr Petrina Casey for her efforts while serving in the role as Acting SafeWork NSW Commissioner.”

Schorer’s appointment follows the NSW Government’s 2025–26 Budget announcement to strengthen the state’s WHS regulator with a $127.7 million investment over the next four years. Intended to address psychosocial hazards and compliance and enforcement of safe work practices, the targeted reform is part of a broader $344 million Workplace Mental Health package, strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces.

As the incoming commissioner, Schorer will address compliance, policy, best practices and meaningful engagement with workers, unions, businesses and the Family and Injured Workers Support and Advisory Group — to make for a stronger and more robust organisation.

“I am honoured to be joining SafeWork NSW as we take our first step towards reshaping the agency into the strong and robust regulator needed to make workplaces secure, safe and healthy,” Schorer said.

Schorer is a National Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia and was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2019. She is also Vice President of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) NSW. Her key responsibilities will include a focus on preventing and managing silica and other dust-related diseases associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.

In a statement, the NSW Government said Schorer has been able to apply her passion for the wellbeing of vulnerable communities throughout her work history, having commenced her career as a registered nurse. Schorer’s more recent appointments include as the Chief Delivery Officer for TAFE NSW, where she delivered learner experiences as part of its Strategic Plan 2022–25.

“Community engagement is paramount to supporting decision-making and I look forward to working with workers, representatives from employer organisations, unions, support groups and people with lived experiences to ensure people are going to the safest possible workplaces,” Schorer said.

“The safety and wellbeing of every worker in NSW is of upmost importance and, with my career focused on driving reform to improve lives particularly for vulnerable groups, I look forward to continuing SafeWork NSW’s work to strengthen its systems and practices.”

Image credit: iStock.com/nirat. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.