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Fair Work member cleared over work party

Georgie MooreAAP
A senior Fair Work Commission member has been cleared over a Christmas party fireworks incident.
Camera IconA senior Fair Work Commission member has been cleared over a Christmas party fireworks incident. Credit: AAP

A senior Fair Work Commission member has been cleared of health and safety violations over a Christmas party fireworks incident.

Deputy president Gerard Boyce was accused of letting off fireworks at the industrial umpire's Sydney offices during an unofficial work party in December.

Federal workplace safety regulator Comcare told a Senate estimates hearing on Wednesday it had wrapped up its investigation into the incident.

"Comcare didn't find evidence to a criminal standard of contravention of the Workplace Health and Safety Act," chief executive Sue Weston said.

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Fair Work Commission acting general manager Murray Furlong said the police were still looking into the incident.

The Comcare investigation recommended the introduction of a policy and training around alcohol consumption.

Mr Boyce was interviewed and reminded of his obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

His behaviour has been raised at multiple estimates hearings.

"We've had a partisan political social media posts, erotic animal and figurines decorating his office, as well as a life sized Donald Trump cut out," Labor Senator Tony Sheldon said.

Mr Furlong maintained it was up to individual members to comply with the commission's updated code of conduct.

The commission received 54 complaints about members, mostly related to hearings, last year.

"Compliance with the code ultimately rests with the members themselves," Mr Furlong said.

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