Helping Victorians find a way forward

To have a voice and be heard is a powerful thing. Giving people that voice during the most challenging time of their lives is an honour and a privilege Alyssa Duffy feels every day. Our CEO is committed to enabling fair, efficient and inclusive services to resolve workers compensation disputes. Yet, it’s a matter that could not be resolved that resonates with Alyssa the most.

“As a Conciliation Officer, I worked on a dispute that involved an injured truck driver”, Alyssa reflects. “He was experiencing significant stress and had difficulty speaking about the matter, so I spent a lot of time communicating with his wife. We all worked hard on that dispute over a period of time. It didn’t resolve, but I received a beautiful letter from the driver and his wife, thanking me for my approach. For me, it was a sign that it’s not always about the resolution - it’s about how you treat people. They matter, and they deserve to be respected and supported.”

Alyssa adopts this same respectful approach as CEO of the Workplace Injury Commission. With compassion and integrity, Alyssa is leading our organisation through a period of exciting growth and change. Our new arbitration service complements the incredible work of our conciliation team as an alternative to court proceedings, ensuring we can help even more injured Victorians and employers move on with their lives.

Of course, with big, positive change comes challenges, but we have a strong foundation and a strategy to deliver. Alyssa is excited to welcome new people and expertise to our connected, supportive team.

“Conciliation is something we’ve done very well for a long time, and that will continue. But the organisation is on the precipice of exciting growth. We’re about to show Victoria what’s possible, and I feel honoured to be a part of that.”

Respecting today while shaping tomorrow

he law is quite a departure from Alyssa’s childhood dream of a career in marine biology. But her keen sense of justice led her to Legal Studies in Years 11 and 12, and Alyssa decided to study law at university.

After being admitted to practice in 2003, Alyssa worked as a personal injury lawyer for six years. She enjoyed her work, but not the toll the legal system could take on everyday people in adverse situations. Wanting to make a more positive impact, she took on the role of Senior Legal Officer with the Accident Compensation Act Review and contributed to legislative reform. Through this work, Alyssa was drawn to the Accident Compensation and Conciliation Service for its people-centred, fair and inclusive approach to resolution.

Joining the organisation as a Conciliation Officer in 2010, Alyssa could see and feel the impact of her work immediately. She also found a supportive team equally driven to help people move on with their lives. Alyssa’s career went from strength to strength, and in 2018, she was promoted to Deputy Senior Conciliation Officer.

Alyssa didn’t aspire to be a Chief Executive Officer, but she stepped in when needed. In January 2021, Alyssa became our CEO, and she’s been working hard to take our proud legacy to the next level ever since. Central to the path ahead is arbitration.

“People can be absolutely terrified of the prospect of litigation. Arbitration is a viable and accessible alternative that doesn’t take as long, doesn’t necessarily require legal representation, and provides a binding determination. It’s about helping people feel heard and informed during the resolution process.”

To reflect this progressive direction, we’re thrilled to be adopting a new name and modern brand. Alyssa admits it’s a little bittersweet to fondly farewell the logo and brand we’ve known for so long. Yet, she believes our new visual identity is an apt celebration of our rich history and all the achievements to come.

“I think our new name and brand will help people move into the new world while respecting our past and the people who have made us who we are. We’re at a point of enormous opportunity, and sometimes I pinch myself because I can’t believe I’m the one who’s being asked to lead the Workplace Injury Commission through this period.”

Support and relationships that count

Professional development has always been a priority at the Workplace Injury Commission. Alyssa says arbitration will provide even more opportunities for people to try different roles and build their expertise. Yet, she’s confident one element will remain the same: our respectful, supportive team culture.

“People genuinely care about each other here. We want to help each other succeed. Even as we grow, I think there’ll always be that strong connection between people. It’s a lovely meeting of minds.”

Spearheading a new service and empowering colleagues to deliver and develop means Alyssa’s days are varied and busy. But this down-to-earth leader’s life is about so much more than work. At the Workplace Injury Commission, she’s given the flexibility and support she needs to thrive in all areas of her life.

“When I’m not working, I’m usually hanging out with my eight-year-old son, and he’s one of the funniest people in the world! Being a mum has saved me, in a sense, because it’s taught me how to leave work at work. At home, I have to be present. The Workplace Injury Commission is very understanding of family responsibilities, and they are always accommodating of things like after-school sports and school holidays.”

And if you’re interested in bringing your expertise to a progressive organisation that recognises your contribution? Alyssa offers the following advice:

“You need to love working with people. Of course, technical expertise is important, but being approachable and connecting with human beings is fundamental to what we do. You also need to be curious and open to improving, changing or understanding a different approach. A sense of humour is helpful too - we’re professional, but we do like to have some fun!”