Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey has been appointed to the icare board as an employee representative after a reform last year requiring inclusion of two directors nominated by worker and business bodies.

Later this year, an employer representative will be appointed upon expiry of a current director’s term.

The board has also made Leah Fricke a non-executive director, and actuary John Walsh has been reappointed. Michael Cameron departs after serving as deputy chair.

NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis says reforming icare “won’t be quick or easy after 12 years of neglect”, but it is on the right trajectory.

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

Ms Fricke brings audit and risk experience and “will support robust discussion”. And Mr Morey will focus on ensuring those who experience injuries or ill health are at the centre of the system, Ms Cotsis says. 

icare manages workers’ compensation for about 330,000 businesses and 3.4 million workers in NSW, with about 60,000 new claims each year.

The icare board continues to have eight non-executive directors.