New Principal Commissioner appointed to Queensland Family and Child Commission

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

With more than 15 years’ experience working in executive roles with the Northern Territory and federal governments, Luke Twyford has today been appointed as the new Principal Commissioner of the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC).

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Women and for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman, said Luke Twyford would take over from outgoing Principal Commissioner, Cheryl Vardon, on 25 December 2021.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce Mr Twyford as the successful candidate for this very important role,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Mr Twyford has an impressive track record working in the families, children services and communities’ sectors across the Northern Territory and federal governments.

“Prior to today’s appointment, he held the role of General Manager Strategic Services for the Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities and he was previously the department’s Executive Director of Strategic Policy and Performance.

“It is clear that Mr Twyford’s experience and credentials make him an ideal choice for the role of Principal Commissioner, and I am confident his leadership at the QFCC will continue to help make a difference for Queensland’s children and young people.”

The Attorney-General also paid tribute to outgoing QFCC Principal Commissioner, Cheryl Vardon, who departs the Commission after six years at the helm.

“I would like to thank Ms Vardon for her unwavering commitment to the role of QFCC Principal Commissioner,” she said.

“She has provided strong leadership of the Commission since she was first appointed to the role back in 2015, particularly through all the challenges of the past couple of years, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”

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