Appointments to Queensland Industrial Relations Commission

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace has today announced the appointment of a new Vice President of the Industrial Court of Queensland as well as two new appointments to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC).

Ms Grace said the Governor-in-Council had approved the promotion of the current Deputy President of the QIRC, Daniel O’Connor, to the position of Vice President of the Industrial Court as well as the appointments of John Merrell as Deputy President of the Industrial Court of Queensland and the QIRC and Samantha Pidgeon as an Industrial Commissioner of the QIRC.

Mr O’Connor’s appointment fills the vacancy created by the resignation of former Vice President Di Linanne.

“I would like to congratulate the appointees. Each brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the roles and are eminently suitable for appointment,” Ms Grace said.

John Merrell has been a practising barrister since 2000, working mainly in the areas of industrial and employment law. He holds the degrees of Bachelor of Business majoring in Industrial Relations, a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws.

Samantha Pidgeon has worked as a teacher, industrial advocate and company director, and is currently Vice President of the Queensland Teachers’ Union. She holds a Bachelor of Education, a graduate Certificate in Leading, Learning and Teaching and a certificate of Company Directorship.

“QIRC plays an important role in Queensland’s industrial relations system by conciliating and arbitrating various industrial matters, and I am confident that these appointments will make a valuable contribution to the Commission’s work,” Ms Grace said.

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Media contact: Scott Chandler - 0439 578 472