Joe Calafiore has officially landed the top job at WorkSafe Victoria.
As chief executive officer (CEO), Calafiore will lead the watchdog as it strives to reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers. His appointment also comes at a critical time for WorkSafe as the government modernises the WorkCover scheme and rolls out a ban on engineered stone from July to protect workers from silicosis.
Calafiore has served as WorkSafe’s interim CEO since October 2023. His official appointment follow and open and competitive recruitment process.
Prior to his time at WorkSafe, Calafiore was the CEO of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) from 2015 to 2023, before which he held senior roles in TAC’s community and corporate affairs divisions.
These roles have provided Mr Calafiore with extensive experience leading statutory insurance schemes and a strong record of strengthening organisational capability and financial sustainability.
Calafiore takes the reigns from Colin Radford, who served as WorkSafe’s CEO from 2019-2023.
Radford played a key role encouraging employers to take a prevention-led approach to mental health injuries. He laid the foundations for the ongoing reforms to the WorkSafe scheme and led the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quotes attributable to Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Danny Pearson
“I congratulate Joe Calafiore on his appointment as WorkSafe’s CEO, and thank Colin Radford for his leadership of WorkSafe through the pandemic,” Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Danny Pearson said.
“Mr Calafiore’s experience will be key to implementing our WorkCover reforms, delivering a scheme that supports Victorian workers when they need it most and helps them return to work.”
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