Former-union boss and Albanese ally Tony Maher to lead Safe Work Australia

One of Anthony Albanese’s closest union allies, Tony Maher, has been appointed to lead the workplace health and safety watchdog.

Coal mining union leader Tony Maher, a close ally of Anthony Albanese, has been named the new chair of Safe Work Australia.

One of Anthony Albanese’s closest union allies, Tony Maher, has been appointed to lead the workplace health and safety watchdog.

The veteran union boss, who once led the CFMEU, was appointed chair of Safe Work Australia by Employment and Workplace Minister Murray Watt on Friday.

Senator Watt said Mr Maher brings decades of experience to the role, having led the mining and energy division of the CFMEU since 1998, before it split with the controversial union.

Mr Maher was appointed by Murray Watt on Friday.

“Mr Maher brings immense experience to the role and I’m sure he will build on the significant contribution Ms Farrell made to the agency,” Senator Watt said.

“Australian workers have a right to safe and healthy workplaces, and I know Mr Maher will work enthusiastically with employers and workers in his new role.”

Mr Maher resigned from his position as the CFMEU’s national president in November 2020, citing internal division within the union and simmering tensions with now-ousted construction boss, John Setka. He also ended the mining and energy division’s involvement in CFMEU forums and activities, and effectively withdrew from its operations.

The Mining and Energy Union formally split from the CFMEU in 2023, with Mr Maher serving as the new union’s general president.

Mr Maher is a long-term friend of the Prime Minister’s after the two rose through the ranks of the NSW ALP and trade union movement in the same period. He is understood to be Mr Albanese’s closest confidante and ally in the union movement.

Federal Labor’s relationship with the CFMEU sunk to an all-time low, after the Albanese government placed Mr Setka’s construction division into administration last year following allegations of corruption and criminal conduct.

Mr Maher has also served as a director of a specialised health and safety scheme providing services to manage risks in the coal industry, called Coal Services Pty Ltd, since 2001 and 2005. He was also a member of an advisory body to the NSW Government on mine safety, called the Mine Safety Advisory Council.

Senator Watt said the announcement marked the end of Joanne Farrell’s term as Safe Work Australia chair, thanking the advocate for workplace safety for her contribution.

“Under Ms Farrell’s leadership over the past three years, there is now increased awareness of risks to the work health and safety of their workers, including in relation to silicosis,” Senator Watt said.

“The finalisation of the new national strategy to reduce workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses in Australia is a testament to her work. I would like to thank Ms Farrell for her contribution.”