New board directors appointed as icare continues its reform journey

Three board directors have been officially appointed, as NSW’s workers compensation scheme provider continues a journey of reform that began last year.  

The three board appointments are as follows: 

• Re-appointment of Mr John Walsh AO, a respected actuary, accomplished social policy leader and disability advocate; 
• Appointment of Ms Leah Fricke as a non-Executive Director, a legal professional with extensive executive and board experience, including in the finance industry and on government boards and; 
• Appointment of Mr Mark Morey, Secretary of Unions NSW, as the new employee representative on the board. 

As noted last year, new legislation passed in 2023 mandating an amendment to icare’s existing governance structure. The amendment ensured that the Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis would have the power to appoint suitable employee and employer body representatives to the icare board.  

With the appointment of Mr Morey, the requirement of having an employee representative on the icare board has now been fulfilled. In a media release, the office of Minister Cotsis highlighted the extensive experience of Mr Morey, noting that he had a “deep understanding of the needs of workers accessing the scheme”, and his presence on the board would help bring “a user focus” to those requiring access to the workers compensation scheme.  

A suitable employer representative to the icare board shall be appointed by the Minister in due course, once the serving term of an existing director ends later this year, leaving the overall size of the board unchanged.  

Minister Cotsis welcomed the appointment of the board of directors.  

“These key appointments ensure we have the appropriate skills and experience on the icare board,” Minister Cotsis said.  

“Ms Fricke brings deep audit and risk experience which will be instrumental in steering icare through the strategic challenges it faces to achieve financial sustainability. 

“Mr Morey has a deep understanding of the needs of injured workers and will focus on ensuring those who experience injuries, accidents or ill-health are at the centre of the system. 

“I am also pleased to announce the reappointment of Mr Walsh, an experienced social policy leader who continues to inspire with his dedication to ensuring those with a disability are supported in achieving the best possible quality of life outcomes.”