The Governor General appointed The Honourable Patricia Leary to the Tribunal for a period of 5 years commencing on 17 July 2008.

On 27 March 2009, The Hon Julia Gillard, MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations appointed, The Honourable Patricia Leary, as Acting President of the Tribunal for a period of three months or until a permanent appointment is made, whichever occurs first.

Patricia Leary has held senior positions in both the private and public sectors.

 In October 1984 she was appointed as a Commissioner of  the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission (now the Australian Industrial Relations Commission).  In January 2001 she was appointed a Deputy President of the Commission and continues in that capacity.  Patricia was also appointed as the President of the Tasmanian Industrial Commission in January 2001 and also continues in that position.

 From February 1995 until September 2001, Patricia was a member of the DFRT.  She was reappointed to the Tribunal from 17 July 2008 for a period of five years.