In 2018 amendments to the states Industrial Relations Act 1979 removed requirements for the Presidents role, the president was abolished with all role duties transferred to the chief commissioner. The president at that time; her honour J.H Smith, was dual appointed and a sworn Judge to the Supreme Court. Notably former W.A.I.R.C. president Jennifer H. Smith will forever be the first, last and only female ever appointed president. Circa both roles J.H. Smith became the first female senior commissioner appointed in W.A.I.R.C. The first female appointed a chief Commissioner was (and is currently) Chief Commissioner P.E. Scott.