The Coalition Government has today announced the appointment of Ms Sue Weston PSM as Chief Executive Officer of Comcare for a five-year term commencing on 8 April 2019.
Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, said Ms Weston had been appointed following a merit-based selection process.
"Ms Weston has an impressive record of public sector experience and strong leadership which will stand her in good stead to lead Comcare," Ms O’Dwyer said.
"As a Deputy Secretary at the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science since 2009, Ms Weston brings many years of experience to her new role."
"I congratulate Ms Weston on her appointment and I look forward to her continuing the important work of Comcare in improving work health and safety and the delivery of rehabilitation and compensation.
"I also thank former CEO, Ms Jennifer Taylor, who performed the role admirably from 2014 until her departure earlier this year."
Comcare is a statutory authority with regulatory and other functions in relation to the Comcare scheme (the workers’ compensation and rehabilitation scheme for employees of the Commonwealth, Commonwealth authorities and licensed self-insurers, including the Australian Capital Territory Government) and the Commonwealth’s work health and safety laws.
Comcare also has functions in relation to the Commonwealth’s asbestos-related claims liabilities, the Seacare scheme and the Parliamentary Injury Compensation Scheme.
Under Labor’s watch, workers’ compensation premiums primarily paid by Commonwealth public service agencies increased by more than 90 per cent. Thanks to the Coalition’s prudent economic management, Comcare’s financial position has improved dramatically, with the scheme becoming fully funded for the first time in 7 years and premiums paid by agencies substantially reduced.
"Government agencies have saved around $200m in the last five years. This is yet another clear example of the Coalition cleaning up after Labor’s financial mismanagement," concluded Ms O’Dwyer.
