Fair Work Commission vice-president Michael Lawler will no longer handle cases involving government employment, amid an ongoing federal government inquiry into his behaviour. The independent inquiry headed by retired Federal Court judge Peter Heerey QC could see Mr Lawler removed from office after he took more than nine months of sick leave while supporting his partner Kathy Jackson in legal battles against the Health Services Union. Changes to members appointed to hear cases in specific Fair Work panels — or industry sectors — are overseen by Fair Work president Iain Ross. After the retirement of several members this year, a number of panel changes have been made. Mr Lawler, who has a salary of $435,000, was originally blocked from any further dealings with the health industry in late 2008 after complaints to then president of the commission from senior health industry figures who had become aware of his relationship with Ms Jackson. The Fair Work panel reshuffle is academic for the time being insofar as Mr Lawler is concerned, as he has resumed sick leave. There has been no indication of when or if he will return to work.
