A senior barrister and former union chief legal adviser has been appointed to head the Fair Work Commission.
Adam Hatcher SC has been acting president of the commission for the past three months, having been vice president of the industrial umpire since 2013.
He has also been appointed to the Federal Court.
Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke said Mr Hatcher would bring extensive experience to the role.
"I am confident he will continue to execute his duties with impartiality and diligence," Mr Burke said on Thursday.
The appointment will start on February 19 and follows the retirement of Justice Iain Ross.
"The government is committed to a fair, just, transparent and balanced commission," Mr Burke said.
"Its work will be more important than ever as we progress ambitious workplace relations reforms to lift wages, improve job security and close the loopholes that are undermining pay and conditions."
Mr Hatcher was admitted to the bar in 1997 and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2010.
He has also served as chief legal adviser with the NSW branch of the Transport Workers' Union.
Meanwhile, Business Council chief Jennifer Westacott is set to step down from her role she has held since 2011.
The leadership change in Australia's key business lobby is not expected to occur for another 12 to 18 months.
