Joanne Farrell has worked in the mining industry since 1981. She has lived and worked in numerous locations in Australia, US and UK with oversight for activities in many other resource sector locations throughout the world including South America, Canada and Africa.
Ms Farrell was the global head of health, safety, environment and communities for Rio Tinto Group of Companies until her retirement in late 2019. She is also a member of the Western Australian State Training Board, member of Perth’s Central Institute of Technology’s Advisory Council, and director of the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.
In 2012, Ms Farrell was recognised for her contributions towards enhancing recognition and participation of women in the mining industry with an Award by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia as their 2012 Women in Resources Champion.
In addition to her passion for supporting women to join and remain in the industry, she is also a very strong advocate on safety practices as well as encouraging indigenous peoples’ participation in the industry.
In January 2022, Ms Farrell was appointed chair of Safe Work Australia.
