On Demand Executive, Chief People Officer, Industrial Relations Specialist
+61 419 984 059
Tony.Wilks@LeadersOnDemand.com
Tony has over 30 years of experience shaping the industrial relations landscape in Australia having different vantage points as the former Union General Secretary, the Commissioner of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission and the head of Industrial Relations for the Toll Group.
With deep experience in the transportation and mining sector he has had significant involvement in Airlines, Airports, Mining, Ports and Harbour Services, Shipping and Freighting businesses.
Tony focuses on providing strategic HR and IR advice to organisations relating to matters such as enterprise bargaining, recruitment, performance management and remuneration and benefits. A trusted advisor and sought after counsel for complex and complicated situations, he is known for driving performance through flexibility, personal development, engagement and thoughtful management.
Career History
Tony's 40 year career commenced with over 10 years working as a coal miner followed by 8 years as General Secretary of the Mining and Energy division of the CFMEU.
Following this, Tony became Commissioner of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (1995-2001) during which key achievements included simplification of over 160 Awards under the Workplace Relations Act.
A period of executive life called with over 15 years spent in c-suite roles at Adsteam, SVITZER and Toll Holdings before Tony established his portfolio career enabling him to take board and trustee roles and consult as senior advisor where he can make a difference.
Leadership Highlights
Executive General Manager of Employee Relations at Toll Holding where he held global responsibility for ER and IR across all Toll Group business units, leading strategy for all ER/IR and lead negotiator for industrial agreements with the trade unions
General Manager HR/IR and Corporate Relations Svitzer Australia (following acquisition of Adsteam Marine) where he lead redesign of organisational capability and integration of business across Australasia
Commissioner, Australian Industrial Relations Commission where he settled major disputes and complex matters
Trustee Director, Maritime Super
Deputy Chair, Federal Government Maritime Workforce Development Forum
Member, Australian Maritime Defence Council (representing Svitzer)
Chair, Australian Marine Towage Association
Director, Australian Industry Standards Skills Service Organisation
Qualifications
Adjunct Professor University of Tasmania, Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute (FAHRI), Member Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)
Sectors
Maritime, Defence, Aviation, Government, Logistics, Mining & Energy
Functions
General Management, Industrial Relations, People and Culture, Board
Situations
Turnarounds, Transformations, Industrial Relations Disputes, Transactions, Organisational Change
Favourite quotes
“There is nothing more difficult to carry out or more doubtful of success than to initiate a new order of things” Niccolò Machiavelli
“I have a dream” Dr Martin Luther King
“I joined Leaders on Demand...
... to keep myself intellectually engaged by working with organisations to assist with key strategic change”
“When I'm not at work...
... I like to relax by spending time with family and friends and playing some golf”