New SafeWork NSW Commissioner brings renewed focus on workforce safety and wellbeing

The appointment of Janet Schorer as the inaugural SafeWork NSW Commissioner marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen workplace health and safety, an area of growing importance for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.

SafeWork NSW formally transitioned to a standalone regulator on 1 July 2025. As Commissioner, Ms Schorer is tasked with leading reforms that enhance regulatory clarity, compliance, and protections across all industries. With more than 27 years of leadership experience across health, education and community services including a recent tenure as Chief Delivery Officer at TAFE NSW, Ms Schorer brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.

Her appointment has attracted attention within the ECEC community, where ongoing concerns about educator safety, psychosocial risks and workplace wellbeing continue to shape discussions about workforce sustainability.

SafeWork NSW plays a key role in overseeing health and safety within early learning environments, from injury prevention and infection control to managing manual handling risks and high workload demands. These concerns are especially acute in long day care and preschool settings, where educators often face emotionally and physically demanding conditions.

Workplace wellbeing remains a critical priority across the sector, with stakeholders calling for stronger frameworks that recognise the distinct nature of care-based professions such as early childhood education.

Ms Schorer has signalled a commitment to inclusive, evidence-based reform through collaboration with unions, employer bodies and those with lived experience. While one of her early focuses includes improving protections around silica exposure in construction sectors, her broader remit spans all workplaces in New South Wales.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis described the restructure as a reflection of the Minns Government’s commitment to reducing workplace harm through a modern and responsive regulatory approach.

For the ECEC sector, the Commissioner’s appointment presents an opportunity to strengthen advocacy for practical, sector-specific safety guidance, clearer regulatory expectations, and increased support for educator wellbeing. As services continue to navigate workforce pressures, a strong regulatory partner in SafeWork NSW may prove essential to creating safer, more sustainable learning environments.

Ms Schorer will officially begin in the role on 14 July.

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