The Allan Labor Government today announced the appointment of Cathy Henderson as the new Chief Executive Officer of WorkSafe Victoria.
Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll congratulated Ms Henderson on her appointment, acknowledging her wealth of experience across community, regulatory and public sectors and extensive background in local government.
Ms Henderson most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of Merri-bek City Council and has previously held senior roles at the City of Darebin and City of Port Phillip and at Waverley Council in New South Wales.
As an experienced leader skilled in financial management and community engagement, Ms Henderson is well placed to drive WorkSafe's strategy to reduce workplace harm, help more injured workers recover and return to work and deliver a sustainable future for Victoria's WorkCover scheme.
This includes delivering on WorkSafe's five-year goal of a 30 per cent reduction in workplace fatalities, a 20 per cent reduction in workplace injuries and a 10 per cent improvement in return-to-work rates, as well as continuing to embed the reforms introduced to modernise the scheme in 2024.
WorkSafe received more than 34,500 claims in the 2024-25 financial year and supported more than 26,000 injured workers to return to safe and sustainable work. It continues to work closely with industry and the community to ensure that employers prioritise safety, while holding those who do not to account.
Supported by a $50 million Labor Government commitment, WorkSafe is establishing partnerships to address the common barriers preventing a return to work, so that every injured worker has the opportunity to get back to meaningful and sustainable employment.
WorkSafe is committed to operating as efficiently and effectively as possible to minimise the cost to employers and provide maximum value for the community.
As stated by Minister for WorkSafe and TAC Ben Carroll
"I congratulate Ms Henderson on her appointment. Her expertise and wealth of experience will build on the Government's commitment to reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers."
"Every worker deserves to come home safe from work. It's why we are modernising the WorkCover scheme, giving security to Victorian workers, supporting businesses and keeping the system sustainable for the future."
As stated by WorkSafe Chair Bob Cameron
"We are thrilled to welcome Ms Henderson to the role of CEO and I look forward to working with her as she leads WorkSafe to achieve our safety targets and enhance return to work pathways."
As stated by WorkSafe CEO Cathy Henderson
"I'm excited to lead WorkSafe, and to work collaboratively with stakeholders to influence and improve workplace safety and the lives of those who are impacted by work related illness and injury across the state."
