Dr Rod Harrison

More than 40 years’ experience in industrial relations has given Rod a rich and distinguished career in the field, including his most recent positions as Deputy President of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (now Fair Work Commission) and Deputy President of the NSW IRC.

His experience has helped many and varied organisations navigate their way through complicated structural change to positions of profitability and employee engagement. 

In November 2024, Rod was appointed by the Government to work with National Construction Industry Forum (NCIF) members to develop a blueprint for the building and construction industry.

He played a central role in the Hunter Model, which delivered more than $15billion in coal chain infrastructure and other works, completed ahead of schedule and under budget with no lost time due to industrial disputes and an exemplary safety record.

Rod was instrumental in the introduction of collaborative industrial relations and interest based bargaining in the NSW Power Industry and NSW Local Government.

During his tenure with the Industrial Tribunals, as Commissioner and Deputy President, he heard and resolved more than 8,000 cases by conciliation, mediation and arbitration and said he was driven by helping organisations and individuals improve and optimise their working relationships through interest-based bargaining.