Honouring Anna Lee Cribb for her Outstanding Service to the Field of Industrial Relations

Anna Lee Cribb has made a distinguished contribution to the field of industrial relations over a sustained period. She has also been a stalwart supporter of both the Industrial Relations Society of Victoria (IRSV), including serving as its Past President, and is the current Secretary of the Australian Labour and Employment Relations Association (ALERA).

Anna Lee was a member of the Fair Work Commission and its predecessors from 1994 to 2019, where she earned a respected reputation for her expertise in statutory resolution — including mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and facilitation — across a wide range of workplace disputes such as industrial, unfair dismissal, bullying, and general protections matters.

During her tenure, she conducted conciliations and, when required, arbitrations in industries including metals, health, aged care, community services, Australia Post, and the maritime sector. Prior to her appointment to the Commission, Anna Lee worked in Human Resources and Industrial Relations roles within the oil and chemical industries, building a strong foundation for her later contributions to the national system.

Anna Lee was instrumental in the “New Approaches” initiative within the Commission, where she facilitated interest-based bargaining and played a key role in introducing national mediator accreditation. Her commitment to collaborative and effective dispute resolution has left a lasting legacy in the field.

In recent years, Anna Lee has continued to share her knowledge and skills by providing training and facilitation to companies and unions in interest-based problem solving and bargaining. Her career stands as a testament to professionalism, innovation, and dedication to improving Australian workplace relations.

Image: ALERA National Conference 2025

L-R Faiyaz Devjee, Neroli Ellis, Brenton Higgins, Anna Lee Cribb, Julian Teicher, Kelly Thomas