NSW Government names first SafeWork NSW Commissioner to enhance worker protection

NSW Government Names First SafeWork NSW Commissioner to Enhance Worker Protection

Janet Schorer has been appointed by the NSW Government as the inaugural Commissioner of SafeWork NSW to bolster its commitment to worker protection. This appointment marks a significant milestone for the state's workplace safety agency as it transitions into a standalone regulator.

Ms. Schorer has accumulated more than 27 years of experience in prominent public sector agencies, including the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Family and Community Services, according to a media statement published by the state Government.

A Stronger, Standalone Regulator

“With SafeWork NSW becoming a standalone regulator on July 1, the incoming Commissioner will address policy, compliance, best practices and meaningful engagement with workers, unions, businesses and the Family and Injured Workers Support and Advisory Group (FISWAG) to make for a stronger and more robust organization,” the state Government said.

This restructure builds on an earlier NSW Government initiative to transform SafeWork into an independent regulatory body, reinforcing the state's push for a more accountable and responsive safety framework. Public confidence in workplace safety services depends heavily on transparent governance, and this move signals a clear commitment from government toward that goal.

Focus on Silica Dust and Tunnelling Risk

One of Schorer's primary responsibilities will involve concentrating on the prevention and management of silica and other dust-related illnesses linked to tunnelling projects in the state. Reducing risk exposure for tunnelling workers remains a critical priority, given the long-term health consequences associated with silica dust inhalation.

Beyond physical risk factors, the Commissioner's remit is also expected to extend toward psychosocial risk management, an area gaining increasing attention across Australian workplaces. Addressing psychosocial hazards alongside traditional safety concerns reflects a broader shift in how regulators approach worker wellbeing.

Appointment Timeline

Ms. Schorer, who is set to assume her position as Commissioner on Monday, 14 July 2025, was selected after a thorough recruitment process. Her appointment follows an earlier announcement of a new SafeWork initiative and $127.7m budget investment to enhance worker protection, underscoring sustained government investment in workplace safety services across NSW.

Why This Matters for Safety Professionals

For technical professionals across construction, manufacturing and healthcare, this leadership change signals continued regulatory focus on compliance services, risk reduction and worker support resources. Businesses operating in high-risk sectors should stay informed as SafeWork NSW refines its services under new leadership.

• Standalone regulator status grants SafeWork NSW greater autonomy over compliance services and enforcement priorities.
• Silica dust management remains a key risk area for tunnelling and construction workers.
• Psychosocial risk factors are being integrated into broader worker protection services.
• Continued government funding supports expanded safety resources for NSW workplaces.

Employers seeking to strengthen their own compliance frameworks should ensure documentation and worker-facing services remain current. Resources such as a First Aid Worker Register and supporting First Aid Policy help organisations demonstrate readiness during regulatory reviews. Businesses managing contractor safety may also benefit from structured Worker Contractor Manuals as part of broader induction services.

Organisations operating across borders, including New Zealand, can refer to equivalent tools like the First Aid Worker Register - NZ to align documentation services with local requirements.

Related News

This news follows a pattern of regulatory tightening across the state. Related news includes calls for a 'safety first' approach mounting as an NSW farmer is fined over worker injury, illustrating how enforcement services continue expanding beyond traditional industrial sectors. For safety professionals monitoring regulatory news, Schorer's appointment offers further information on where NSW Government priorities are headed through 2025 and beyond.

Read more here.