Appointment of Greg Vines as Comcare CEO

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Greg Vines as the new Chief Executive Officer of Comcare.

As the Commonwealth work health and safety regulator, Comcare’s work is more important than ever as it progresses work to foster mental health and improve compliance in workplaces covered by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth).

Comcare also manages the workers compensation scheme established by the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, along with claims across several injury compensation schemes.

The Comcare CEO is responsible for its day-to-day operations, including governance responsibilities and reporting requirements as a corporate Commonwealth entity.

Mr Vines brings extensive experience in workplace relations and workplace safety to the role, including the last decade as Deputy Director-General for the International Labour Organization from 2012 to 2022. 

I’m confident Mr Vines will execute his duties with a high degree of skill and diligence in the role, which follows a merit-based selection process. 

I also thank Aaron Hughes and Michael Duke for their work as acting Chief Executive Officer prior to Mr Vines’ appointment.

Biography:

Mr Greg Vines has been Deputy Director-General for the International Labour Organization from 2012 to 2022. Mr Vines was also Minister (Labour) with the Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Geneva, from 2009 to 2012. 

Prior to that, Mr Vines was Chair of the Civil Service Task Force in Timor Leste (2008–2009), Public Sector Standards Commissioner of Victoria (2005–2009), Executive Director, Industrial Relations Victoria and Deputy Secretary, Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (2003–2005) and State Service Commissioner, Tasmania (2000–2003). 

Mr Vines also held various leadership positions in trade union organisations. He has a Bachelor of Business from Monash University and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Tasmania. Mr Vines has completed the Executive Program in International Labour Relations at Harvard University and has been a Fellow at Monash University.