The Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association has appointed decorated employment lawyer Geoff Bull to lead its Workplace Relations Advisory Team (West Coast).
Mr Bull returns to AREEA as part of an extensive industrial relations and legal career that includes seven years as Fair Work Commission Deputy President (2015-22).
He was initially appointed a Commissioner in 2012.
Prior to joining the FWC, Mr Bull was AREEA’s (then AMMA) Director of Workplace Policy.
He takes up his new Perth-based role in the context of ongoing uncertainty over the Albanese Government’s sweeping IR changes, in particular landmark “Closing Loopholes” amendments to the Fair Work Act.
AREEA CEO Steve Knott said Mr Bull’s sharp legal mind, wealth of industry experience and intimate knowledge of the Commission’s operations would be invaluable as test cases emerged on the path to consolidating the new laws.
He said Mr Bull, pictured right, possessed a unique working insight into the hydrocarbons industry.
“During his previous time at AMMA, Geoff managed workplace relations issues in the oil and gas sector – with a focus on offshore drilling, remotely operated vehicles, offshore construction, vessel operations and diving,” Mr Knott said.
Mr Bull is recognised as a leading authority on skilled migration policy and legal matters.
He established AMMA’s Migration Services, providing a much-needed skilled migration policy and consultancy service to members and other employers requiring skilled overseas labour to supplement local workforces.
Before AMMA, Mr Bull was Managing Director of Migration and Legal Services at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA.
He worked in employee relations with Goldsworthy Mining and BHP Iron Ore and was the on-site industrial relations representative for the construction of Rio Tinto’s Hi-Smelt Research and Development Facility.
With the Kellogg Joint Venture, Mr Bull helped develop the industrial relations strategy for Gorgon LNG – Australia’s largest offshore gas project.
He has acted for employers in courts and tribunals including the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, the Coal Industry Tribunal, the Magistrate’s Court, the WA Supreme Court, the WA State Administrative Tribunal, the Federal Court of Australia, the Victorian State Administrative Tribunal, the South Australian District Court and the Western Australian and Australian Industrial Relations Commissions.
He represented Australia on the International Labour Organisation in Geneva in 2009 as chairperson for employers in a tripartite meeting promoting social dialogue and good industrial relations in oil and gas exploration, production and distribution.
“Geoff Bull is one of Australia’s pre-eminent IR practitioners,” Mr Knott said.
“At a time of high vigilance for resources and energy employers, Geoff’s proven ability to manage complex IR issues in large projects will help protect the interests and investment of members, while maintaining the industry confidence and growth that continues to underpin the health of the Australian economy.”
