The ACT’s inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Commissioner, Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, has commenced her five-year term today.
Ms Turnbull-Roberts, a Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul woman, brings a wealth of experience as an award-winning human rights advocate, lawyer and Fulbright Scholar, as well as having lived experience of the child protection system.
An Australian Human Rights Medalist in 2019, Ms Turnbull-Roberts’ research as a Fulbright Scholar explored new ways of changing the child-protection system in Australia, and enhancing best-practice in the lives of First Nations children and young people. She is a survivor of out-of-home care, having been removed from her family at the age of 10.
Ms Turnbull-Roberts’ appointment to the independent role follows an extensive recruitment process in partnership with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
The establishment of the Commissioner was a key recommendation of Our Booris, Our Way, an Aboriginal-led review into the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system in the ACT.
The commencement of Ms Turnbull-Roberts as Commissioner delivers against this commitment, and is the culmination of many years activism, engagement and work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and particularly Our Booris, Our Way.
The Government remains committed to delivering all recommendations of the review under the guidance of the Our Booris, Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee.
Quotes attributable to Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Commissioner:
“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. 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.”
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Human Rights Tara Cheyne:
“With her remarkable background and passion for human rights, I am confident Ms Turnbull-Roberts will be a tireless advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.”
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Children, Youth and Family Services Rachel Stephen-Smith:
“The Commissioner will ensure the voices and perspectives of First Nations children shape every layer of decision-making in the ACT. This oversight is critical as we continue enhancing practice, policy and legislation to better serve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the ACT.”
Quotes attributable to Our Booris, Our Way Implementation Oversight Committee Chair Natalie Brown:
“This position is a direct result of The Our Booris, Our Way Committee Recommendation 7, made in December 2018. That was to legislate for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner that would advise and influence the government on a broad spectrum of issues that impact our children across both government and non-government services. The role also has the capacity to engage in processes more directly impacting the lives of our children and their families.
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.”
