The ACT’s inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Commissioner, Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, began her five-year term today.

She will protect and promote the rights, interests, and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the ACT, individually and at a systemic level.

Ms Turnbull-Roberts, a Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul woman, is a human rights advocate, lawyer, and Fulbright Scholar. Her Fulbright research explored how to change the child-protection system in Australia, and enhancing best-practice in the lives of First Nations children and young people. She was awarded the Human Rights Medal in 2019. She is a survivor of out-of-home care, having been removed from her family at the age of 10.

“As a survivor and now Commissioner, I know there’s a better way to do things and represent the rights, safety and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people,” Ms Turnbull-Roberts said. “Let’s get it right for the next generation.

“I firmly believe that poverty should not result in punishment or removal, but rather support. While we still have a long way to go, we will progress together.

“I am honoured to step into this vital role and give voice to the rights, interests and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people.

“My vision is to embed cultural safety across the ACT and amplify the voices of our children to create real, systemic change.

“Making this world a more just, better place for First Nations children and young people is vitally important, requiring a whole-of-community response.”

Ms Turnbull-Robert was appointed to the role in November after an extensive recruitment process in partnership with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Our Booris, Our Way (2018), an Aboriginal-led review into the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system in the ACT, recommended legislating for a Commissioner to advise and influence the government on issues that concern Indigenous children across government and non-government services, and processes affecting their lives, Implementation Oversight Committee chair Natalie Brown said.

“The Our Booris, Our Way Committee has worked tirelessly to bring this and other recommendations to fruition with the goal being for Aboriginal children to thrive growing up in the ACT,” Ms Brown said.

The ACT Government said it was committed to delivering all recommendations of the review under the Committee’s guidance.

“The Commissioner will ensure the voices and perspectives of First Nations children shape every layer of decision-making in the ACT,” Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Children, Youth and Family Services, said. “This oversight is critical as we continue enhancing practice, policy and legislation to better serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the ACT.”