Inaam Tabbaa’s journey from a new immigrant in Australia to a distinguished judicial figure is a story of resilience, dedication and ground-breaking achievements.
Of Syrian background but spending her formative years with her parents and siblings in Nigeria, Inaam migrated to Australia in the mid-1970s, quickly immersing herself in the workforce.
She secured a position with the Master Builders’ Association (MBA), a national organisation which supports the building industry through advocacy, training, resources and services for its members to ensure quality.
Inaam’s profound love of learning and commitment to hard work propelled her to excel in both the business and legal worlds.
Beginning her career at the MBA as a temporary administrator, by 1975 she had become the organisation’s Industrial Officer, the only woman in that role within the building industry nationally.
But her rise didn’t stop there.
By 1989, she was the Executive Officer of Industrial Relations and Safety, heading a department of 16.
Reflecting on her early days in the role, she told AMUST, “When the MBA received a claim for installing air-conditioners in the cabins of tower cranes, I, as department head, climbed into the cabins to investigate.”
“The men tried to scare me by bringing me down in a box on Pitt Street, but I called their bluff!” she smiled.
Inaam Tabbaa, AM.
Inaam’s tenacity and competence earned her respect on building sites, a rare achievement for a woman in the male-dominated construction industry, particularly back in those days.
Her determination and thirst for knowledge drove her to pursue further studies, earning a TAFE Certificate in Industrial Relations, a Diploma in Labour Relations, a Bachelor of Business and eventually a Bachelor of Law from the University of New England (UNE).
Inaam was selected by her alma mater to receive the UNE 2022 Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award.
In early 1991, while still studying at UNE, Inaam was appointed as a Commissioner with the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW, becoming its only female member at the time.
“People come to you for help, and I do everything in my power to assist,” she says, highlighting her preference for conciliated settlements.
She handled complex cases, from local council disputes to accusations of racism among rail staff.
Inaam Tabbaa (left) was appointed a Commissioner of the Industrial Relations Commission in 1991, its only female member at the time.
Inaam’s fairness in her judgements is a point of pride.
“I always tried to be fair to both sides,” she recollects, adding that the first appeal against any of her decisions came nearly a decade into her tenure.
She was admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in 2007 and served briefly as an acting magistrate, marking another milestone as the first Muslim member of that court.
Returning to the Industrial Relations Commission, Inaam chaired the IRC’s Education Committee, focusing on the justice system’s impact on First Nations peoples.
In 2016, she became Acting Chief Commissioner, the first woman and Muslim to head the tribunal in its 116-year history.
Inaam’s contributions extend beyond her professional achievements.
In 2012 she was appointed a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia, a prestigious honour recognising her significant service to industrial relations and to the community.
She was instrumental in securing accommodation for migrant students and disadvantaged women and supported community language schools.
In her so-called “retirement,” Inaam volunteers full-time with the Australian National Sports Club at Lakemba, where she has served in various capacities but more recently as Board Secretary, continuing the legacy of her late brother Abdallah.
Inaam’s much loved Australian National Sports Club is utilised by community groups of all ages.
Abdallah was the heart and soul of the club for more 20 years until his passing in 2016, and Inaam’s work aims to honour and carry forward his contributions.
He would be very proud of her.
Inaam continues her advocacy by aiding the not-for-profit Club to service the local disadvantaged community both socially and financially through grant-writing and fundraising.
Her latest project involves establishing a sensory gym at the Sports Club for children with intellectual disabilities.
“I am really looking forward to the sensory gym project becoming a reality,” she shares enthusiastically.
Inaam’s leadership at the Sports Club is also historic.
She made history as the first woman president of the club in its 50-plus years history, serving two consecutive terms and until this year, was the only female life member.
“The club has gone through some tough times including financial problems and legal battles.”
“But we are now seeing the rewards of our hard work and resilience,” she reflects.
Throughout her long and distinguished career, Inaam has always loved learning, with a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Law among her many credentials.
Inaam’s efforts have significantly benefited the Canterbury-Bankstown community, with a multitude of local organisations currently utilising the club’s facilities.
She assisted as community representative on the Canterbury Bankstown Local Planning Panel, whilst she is currently a member of the Hon Tony Bourke Watson Women’s Network, the aim of which is to connect and strengthen the community through women’s leadership groups.
She is also a community representative on the Muslim Consultation Committee set up by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and designed to provide expert advice and guidance on offender management and strategic policy and planning.
“I’ve been a member of the Sports Club for 33 years and am so proud of what my brother started,” she reflected.
“Fifty-six local organisations are now using the Club for a variety of sports – programs for toddlers still in nappies right through to All Age.”
Inaam’s advocacy has also included developing radio programs for Muslim children, occasional foster care and participating in the No Excuse for Abuse committee of the Campsie Police Area Command.
She encourages young Muslim women to pursue their ambitions, emphasising the opportunities available in Australia.
Reflecting on her journey, Inaam points out, “In court and in life, fairness is paramount to me….in all my time on building sites, I never faced issues as a Muslim woman.”
“In Australia, I’ve felt truly included – there is still so much I want to do and learn.”
The Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) is Australia’s oldest non-for-profit Islamic organisation and frequently uses the Australian National Sports Club for its youth programs.
LMA Special Projects Officer Raiyan Ramadhan with some of his young charges.
Raiyan Ramadhan, Special Projects Officer at the LMA, said: “Inaam Tabbaa is a great lady and a wonderful professional.”
“She consistently goes above and beyond to assist organisations who use the Australian National Sports Club.”
“Inaam is a delight to work with and she provides exceptional support to all including women, young people and the most vulnerable members of the community.”
“We greatly value all that Inaam has done – and continues to do – for the LMA and our partners.”
The achievements of Inaam Tabbaa, AM, as a Muslim woman are largely hidden within our community owing to her humility.
Despite her numerous accomplishments, she remains modest, preferring to let her work speak for itself.
Her story is a wonderful tribute to the power of perseverance and dedication.
Inaam’s journey from the building sites to judicial heights and her continued advocacy and community service make her an inspiring figure for all, especially for young Muslim women.
Her legacy of fairness, leadership and community support will continue to inspire future generations.
Comments