The Morrison Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Anne Hollonds as the new National Children’s Commissioner.
Ms Hollonds is currently the Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies and replaces Australia’s inaugural Children’s Commissioner, Megan Mitchell, who served in the role for seven years.
As Children’s Commissioner, Ms Hollonds will promote discussion and awareness of issues affecting children; conduct research and education programs; consult directly with children and representative organisations; and examine Commonwealth legislation, policies and programs that relate to children’s human rights.
Attorney-General Christian Porter said Ms Hollonds had an extensive background in the area of child and family welfare, including front line engagement with families, children and young people as a therapist, and through her roles as CEO of The Benevolent Society and Relationships Australia.
Ms Hollonds will complete her appointment as Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies before taking up her five-year appointment on 2 November 2020.
The President of the Australian Human Rights Commission will continue to manage the responsibilities of the Children’s Commissioner role until Ms Hollonds commences.
Biography:
Ms Hollonds’ qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), a Bachelor of Social Studies and a Master of Business Administration.
She has been a registered psychologist since 1992 and is a current and former member of a variety of advisory boards on child and family welfare including the National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Steering Group, National Mental Health Commission.
Ms Hollonds has served as Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies since 2015.
Prior to this she has held senior roles with Our Watch, The Benevolent Society and Relationships Australia.
