New appointments to Queensland Industrial Relations Commission

• Four new Commissioners have been appointed to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC)
• The new Commissioners bring a depth of experience and strong qualifications in industrial relations to their new roles
• The QIRC will continue to ensure Queenslanders can access timely and low-cost justice in a range of work-related matters

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace has announced the appointment of four new Commissioners to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC).

Ms Grace said Governor-in-Council had approved the appointment of Mr Daniel Pratt, Ms Sharron Caddie, Mr Christopher Gazenbeek and Ms Terri Butler to the QIRC from 8 January 2024.

Commissioner Biographies

Mr Daniel Pratt was a practising Barrister and has over 25 years’ experience in the field of industrial relations and employment law with AiGroup and private law firm Franklin Athanasellis Cullen.

Ms Sharron Caddie was the National Vice President and Queensland President of the United Workers Union, and has three decades of experience in industrial and employment related matters in Queensland and across Australia.

Mr Christopher Gazenbeek was the Queensland Branch Secretary and Treasurer of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association, and has three decades of experience in industrial and employment related matters in Queensland and Victoria.

Ms Terri Butler operated her own consultancy firm, providing policy and advisory consulting on a range of policy areas including employment, skills and jobs-related matters. From 2008 to 2014, she was the Founding Principal, Queensland Employment and Industrial Law Section at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. From 2014 to 2022, Ms Butler was a Member of the Australian Parliament for the Federal Electorate of Griffith.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace:

“Each of the new members to the QIRC have a strong set of skills, professional experience and expertise in industrial relations.

“I congratulate the incoming Commissioners on their appointments and wish them the very best in their new roles.”

ENDS

Media contact – Martin Philip 0407 675 008