Northern Territory's Work Health Authority resigning from position

Northern Territory's Work Health Authority resigning from position marks a significant leadership change at NT WorkSafe, as Ms. Peggy Cheong steps down after more than two years guiding the regulator's work health and safety agenda.

Leadership Transition at NT WorkSafe

Ms. Cheong has accepted a role as Deputy WHS Commissioner at WorkSafe ACT and will relocate to Canberra to be nearer her family. This move concludes her 37-year tenure as a resident of the Northern Territory, according to a statement released by NT WorkSafe on Tuesday.

Her departure represents a notable shift for the territory's safety framework, given the scope of responsibilities tied to the Work Health Authority role and its influence over workplace safety standards across the region.

Who Will Lead NT WorkSafe During the Transition?

Ms. Kerry Barnaart, Director of Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation at NT WorkSafe, has taken on the role of Acting Work Health Authority while officials search for a permanent replacement.

Barnaart brings extensive experience in workers compensation and rehabilitation to the interim position, offering continuity for stakeholders relying on the authority's oversight of safety standards. Her background positions her well to maintain momentum on ongoing safety initiatives during the search process.

Why This Matters for Workplace Safety

Leadership stability within safety regulators directly affects how quickly workplace hazards get addressed and how consistently safety policies get enforced. NT WorkSafe's decision to appoint an experienced internal candidate signals commitment to maintaining safety oversight without disruption.

For businesses operating in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, this transition underscores the importance of robust internal safety governance rather than relying solely on regulatory bodies. Organisations should ensure their own frameworks, such as a Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy or comprehensive Work Health and Safety Manual, remain current regardless of regulatory personnel changes.

Ongoing Safety Priorities in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory has faced persistent safety challenges, particularly around fall-from-height risks, as highlighted in previous reporting on workers in the Northern Territory still disregarding risks of falling from height. Psychosocial hazards have also drawn regulatory attention, with the territory seeking public input on its managing psychosocial hazards at work code of practice.

These priorities remain unchanged despite the leadership transition, reinforcing why employers should maintain strong mental health policies and plans alongside physical safety measures.

What This Means for Employers and Safety Professionals

Regulatory continuity matters most during transitions like this one. Businesses should continue meeting compliance obligations under existing safety laws while monitoring any guidance updates from the acting authority.

• Review current workplace safety documentation for compliance gaps
• Monitor NT WorkSafe communications for updates during the transition period
• Ensure rehabilitation and compensation processes align with current requirements
• Reinforce internal safety training regardless of external regulatory changes

National Safe Work Month initiatives, as detailed in coverage of workplace safety as the focus for National Safe Work Month in the Northern Territory, demonstrate the territory's broader commitment to safety culture beyond individual leadership appointments.

Ms. Cheong's departure closes a significant chapter for NT WorkSafe, but the organisation's safety mandate continues uninterrupted under Barnaart's interim leadership. Employers across the territory should stay informed as the search for a permanent Work Health Authority progresses.

Learn more here about ongoing safety initiatives and resources available to support your organisation's compliance efforts.