Four executives quit Transport Accident Commission

The Transport Accident Commission has seen a mass exodus of staff, with four executives leaving in three months.

Four executives have left the TAC. Picture: Mark Wilson

The Transport Accident Commission has seen an exodus of senior staff, with four leaders departing the organisation since May.

Former head of people and culture Jane Barker; head of strategy Liz Cairns; head of scheme and performance Jason Lardelli and chief financial officer Tony Dudley have left the public insurer for other organisations.

It’s understood Ms Barker left in May, Ms Cairns departed in June and that Mr Lardelli and Mr Dudley finished their tenures in July.

The resignations of four senior staff follows the recent departure of long-standing chief executive officer Joe Calafiore after seven years in the top job.

He was replaced by former Barwon Water director Tracey Slatter.

The TAC confirmed the departures of the four senior leaders, but said all had done so on their own accord for a variety of reasons after serving long tenures in their positions.

It’s understood the positions have not been permanently filled, with acting arrangements currently in place.

New TAC chief executive officer Tracey Slatter. Picture: Supplied

According to the TAC, an organisational review is under way and vacant roles will be advertised in due course.

TAC chairman Greg Wilson said the organisation was going through a period of change,

“The TAC has experienced a smooth transition period following the on-boarding of new CEO Tracey Slatter in July, and we look forward to a period of renewal as we continue working towards our organisational vision,” Mr Wilson said.

“The TAC is fortunate to have an abundance of excellent leaders in its ranks, and we will continue to foster a high-performing organisation in which our people are enabled and supported.”

It is not the first time there have been reports of staff turnover at the Geelong-based organisation.

In July 2022, head of marketing and external affairs Jo Whyte quit the public insurer.

At the time, The Geelong Advertiser spoke to multiple former staff who alleged the working environment within was difficult during that period and that the department experienced a high staff turnover.

Ms Whyte’s departure followed unrelated reports in May that year that a sacked TAC worker was unfairly dismissed amid allegations he rolled his eyes in a meeting.

Originally published as Four executives quit Transport Accident Commission