Adam Hatcher appointed new Fair Work president

Adam Hatcher SC has been appointed president of the Fair Work Commission, in a move welcomed by unions and business.

Adam Hatcher.

Adam Hatcher SC has been appointed president of the Fair Work Commission, in a move welcomed by unions and business.

Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke said Mr Hatcher brought extensive experience to the role, and he was confident he would continue to “execute his duties with impartiality and diligence”.

“The government is committed to a fair, just, transparent and balanced commission,” Mr Burke said. “Its work will be more important than ever as we progress ambitious workplace relations reforms to lift wages, improve job security and close loopholes undermining pay and conditions.”

Mr Hatcher, who was appointed acting president in November after the resignation of Iain Ross, had been vice-president of the commission since 2013 when he was appointed to the tribunal by the former Labor government.

He was admitted to the bar in 1997 and appointed senior counsel in 2010.

Before then, Mr Hatcher was chief legal adviser with the NSW Branch of the Transport Workers Union.

Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Sally McManus said the union movement congratulated Mr Hatcher on his appointment.

“It is a critical time for working people who are experiencing the largest real wage cut in history,” she said. “The commission has a critical role to play in the area of wages and overseeing the new bargaining laws. President Hatcher is well respected and brings with him deep experience to this important role”

Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox welcomed the appointment. “The new president takes over the leadership of the FWC at a time when the institution will play a crucial role in applying controversial recent changes to the workplace relations system,” he said.

“His deep experience, work ethic and legal intellect are respected by all corners.”

Mr Hatcher, who has also been appointed to the Federal Court, will officially start on February 19.

His appointments will conclude at the statutory retirement age of 65 for the commission and at the age of 70 for the Federal Court.