The Rockliff Liberal Government has appointed Ms Louise Coe to lead the establishment of the new Office of the Independent Regulator as a critical part of the ongoing commitment to keep children and young people safe.
Attorney General Guy Barnett said the Independent Regulator’s principle responsibility is to oversee the operation of the new Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework.
“The Framework will establish clear, legally mandated parameters that promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people by addressing two key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse: the Child and Youth Safe Standards, and the Reportable Conduct Scheme,” Attorney General Barnett said.
“Organisations within the scope of the Framework include, but are not limited to, Government Agencies, religious institutions, schools, private tuition services for children, out-of-home care, justice and detention services for children, and are required to be compliant with the Framework from 1 January 2024.
“The Independent Regulator will play a key role in ensuring compliance with the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework, which commences in 2024, as well as educating organisations and the community about the requirements of the Framework to enhance the safety of children and young people.
“Ms Coe’s extensive experience in regulatory, investigatory and legal services will mean she is well-placed to lead the important work of the Office of the Independent Regulator, particularly with the implementation of the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
“Ms Coe will commence in January 2024 and comes to the newly created position with an extensive background working in senior roles in organisations committed to keeping children safe interstate.
“Most recently, Ms Coe has been Director Child Safe Organisations with the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian, a position she has held for almost five years, and played a key role in the implementation of the Child Safe Standards. Ms Coe has held senior roles in the same office for a further six years, and also has strong experience in other relevant roles including with the NSW Commission for Children and Young People, NSW Aboriginal Children’s Service.
“Funding of $1.5 million has already been allocated in the 2023-24 Budget to establish the office of the Independent Regulator,” the Attorney-General said.
