It is with great sadness that members and staff of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry learned of the passing of Justice Geoffrey Giudice AO, former President of Australia's national industrial relations tribunal.
Justice Giudice led the former Australian Industrial Relations Commission with distinction between 1997 and 2009. Subsequently, he led what is now the Fair Work Commission during a period of significant change for the tribunal, before his retirement in 2012. He stands as the second longest serving leader in the tribunal's 117-year history.
"As is being widely remarked today, Justice Giudice led our national employment tribunal through a period of significant legislative change. He did so with universal and unfailing goodwill, respect and support across political and industrial divides," ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar said.
"Justice Giudice presided over numerous wage reviews, contentious disputes, and award reforms, leading the tribunal's adoption of new technologies. He presided over test cases that continue to set important standards for employment in this country, and did so with unfailing patience, courtesy, intelligence and good humour.
"He will be remembered as the head of the tribunal at its centenary, and for his personal commitment to capturing and preserving its unique history.
"Prior to his appointment, Justice Giudice represented our network and members with distinction in a wide range of major matters and had a distinguished career in legal practice.
"Our thoughts are with Justice Giudice's family during this time.
