Senior Freehills Employee Relations Partner Appointed to National Occupational Health & Safety Review Panel

07 April 2008

Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon Julia Gillard MP, today announced that Barry Sherriff, a senior partner in Freehills’ Employee Relations practice, has been appointed as one of three high profile members of the newly formed National Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Review Panel. The Panel’s remit is to assist in developing model OHS legislation for Australia.

The OHS Review is a commitment from the Federal Government to work cooperatively with State and Territory Governments to accelerate moves towards the harmonisation of OHS legislation across the country; the Review will be conducted by a Panel comprising three OHS industry experts, including Mr Sherriff, Mr Robin Stewart-Crompton (Chair), and Ms Stephanie Mayman.

This appointment is a recognition of Barry’s significant experience and standing in the Australian OHS community, and it highlights the depth of talent within Freehills’ National Employee Relations (ER) practice, widely regarded as Australia’s premier practice in this area of law.

As the lead partner for Freehills’ Occupational Health and Safety practice, Barry is well qualified to take up this important role. He has extensive experience in the areas of employee relations and risk management, with a particular focus on occupational health and safety, including the development of proactive strategies for compliance and accident prevention.

During his 28 years of practice, Barry has been an active participant in industry debate, discussion and education programs; he has authored numerous thought leadership articles and books, discussing the key issues impacting Australian businesses operating within the context of Australia’s legal OHS landscape.

In response to the appointment, Barry said he felt honoured, and that he viewed this as an invaluable opportunity to contribute to an efficient, cohesive and consistent set of OHS regulation for Australia.

“I am very honoured by the confidence shown in my ability to add value to what should be one of the most significant contributions to the advancement of health and safety in this country. I particularly look forward to working with Robin and Stephanie.”

For the next nine months, the Panel will undertake research , seek and consider submissions from stakeholders, and provide reports to the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council. A final report with recommendations for the development of model legislation to be adopted by all Australian jurisdictions is due to the Government a the end of January 2009.

Barry will continue his full-time practice within  Freehills’ Employee Relations group with the full support of an experienced team of OHS practitioners around Australia.

Click here to view Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon Julia Gillard MP’s media release.