The new CEO of Comcare says he is prioritising workplace dignity. 

Greg Vines, who assumed the role of CEO at Comcare in April 2023 after a decade as Deputy Director-General at the International Labour Organization in Geneva, has shared his key priorities in his new position.

Vines' career has revolved around workplace issues, with a central focus on what he terms the “dignity of work”.

“I see Comcare as a critical player in that because Comcare is there to deal with ensuring, to the greatest extent that we can, that workplaces are healthy and safe,” he said.

“Comcare has capacity for enormous influence. 

“Australia has quite a complex system of workplace health and safety and Comcare, I consider, is really at the centre of that being part of the federal government. 

“I think it’s beholden on us to ensure that we are the experts in the field, that we lead on policy development, claims handling, and regulatory activities.”

Over the last decade, and particularly in recent years, there have been substantial changes in employment relationships and work environments, such as remote work. 

Vines highlights the recognition of psychosocial hazards and risks, emphasising the need to raise awareness about these risks and the actions necessary to address them.

“A key role for Comcare is going to be to inform and educate people on the risks so that individuals can protect themselves, but most importantly so that employers can establish mechanisms that prevent the injury in the first place - and then in the event of injury or risk, they’re able to take actions to alleviate severity,” Vines says. 

The CEO claims that merely having regulations and codes of practice is insufficient; implementation is crucial. 

He advocates for a practical and clear approach that recognizes the diversity of workplaces and the unique challenges they present. 

Vines also highlights that workplace health and safety are global concerns, with organisations worldwide grappling with the same issues.

He recently joined the Institute of Public Administration on their Work with Purpose podcast to discuss workplace health and safety.