Speakers
Joanna Minchinton, GM Workplace Services
Joanna joined the Business Chamber Queensland team in October 2022.
Joanna is a recognised workplace relations expert, having been awarded life membership of both the:; Industrial Relations Society of Queensland; and Australian Labour and Employment Relations Association in recognition of her service to the field.
In her role with Business Chamber Queensland, Joanna provides employers with practical, real-world advice and assistance on a wide range of matters relevant to the workplace. In addition to managing the workplace relations function, Joanna also works with stakeholders to provide positive workplace solutions, such as Workforce Evolve, a Queensland government funded program to assist employers with their recruitment and retention practices.
John Dwyer, Industrial Commissioner at Queensland Industrial Relations Commission
John was admitted as a lawyer in 1993. He practiced exclusively in the area of employment law. John's experience in practice covered the full spectrum of workplace matters and included: dismissals, unpaid wages, industrial disputes of all sizes, EB disputes, sexual harassment and discrimination, restraint of trade disputes, reasonable notice claims, adverse action, workers compensation and WHS matters.
In addition to these areas of experience John conducted numerous workplace investigations in respect of workplace misconduct, bullying & harassment complaints and/or workplace health and safety issues.
John’s practice involved acting for both employers and employees, as well as many Government departments. He is an experienced advocate and litigator, but is equally skilled in ADR and practical problem solving.
In July 2019 John was appointed to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. On 9 July 2019 he was sworn in as an Industrial Commissioner by the President of the Industrial Court.
Cletus Brown, Director Compliance Branch, Fair Work Ombudsman
Cletus Brown is a Director in the Compliance Branch at the Fair Work Ombudsman.
He has just over 30 years' experience in the workplace relations field and has held managerial roles in key operational positions in all major reforms over the last 20 years including the introduction of WorkChoices, the Fair Work Act, the implementation of modern awards and, more recently, the Secure Jobs Better Pay amendments.
In his current role, Cletus leads two teams of Inspectors and another that monitors Enforceable Undertakings. This work also includes handling a number of the larger employers who are self-reporting underpayments to the workplace regulator.
Cletus’ previous role was leading the team responsible for determining the FWO’s position on modern award provisions. This included monitoring the Modern Award Review to ensure the regulator is ready to provide advice and assistance to workplaces.
Ezra Pyers, Manager, Workplace Relations
Ezra is an experienced Workplace Relations and Human Resources Advisor across multiple industries including hospitality, fuel retail, government and not-for-profit.
Prior to joining Business Chamber Queensland, Ezra was the Employment Relations Manager with the Queensland Trucking Association, the peak employer association for the Queensland road transport sector. In this role, he also supported Queensland businesses in the bus and waste sectors, advocating for members at both state and national levels.
Lorna Reid | Workplace Relations Consultant
Lorna has honed her workplace relations expertise through a dynamic career journey. From running a National Human Resources and Payroll department for a technology company, to mentoring, and consulting with senior leaders, Lorna’s commitment to professional growth and her broad experience of the employment lifecycle makes her a valuable asset to any business requiring assistance with any employment related matters.
She has experience developing in-house training / education programs, performance management procedures, recruitment, and onboarding. She has also worked with a leading HR/IR consulting practice, that has equipped her with a passion for compliance and an understanding of employment laws and regulations. Lorna also has experience analysing Modern Award and EA compliance, as well as payroll investigations.
Chloe Boike | Workplace Relations Advisor
Chloe joined Business Chamber Queensland in early April 2023 in the position of Workplace Relations Advisor.
Before joining the Workplace Advisory Services team, Chloe worked at the Ipswich City Council as a Workplace Relations Officer. Chloe has a good deal of experience in writing and reviewing company policies and procedures as well as negotiating and implementing Enterprise Bargaining Agreements.
Chloe is in the process of completing her final subjects to attain a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Business Management (majoring in Human Resources) at the University of Queensland.
