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Canberra Today 11°/15° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

New appointments to the ACT Human Rights Commission

Simon Corbell feature crop

SIMON Corbell has announced appointments to the restructured ACT Human Rights Commission.

“Dr Helen Watchirs OAM will take up the new role of President of the Commission and will continue in the role of Human Rights Commissioner,” Simon said.

“Dr Watchirs has considerable human rights expertise, systemic advocacy experience and connections across the ACT community.

“Mr John Hinchey will be appointed as Victims of Crime Commissioner within the Human Rights Commission and will have the task of promoting victims human rights while also delivering key services as the administrative head of Victims Support ACT.

“Mr Andrew Taylor has been appointed to the role of Public Trustee and Guardian. Bringing both Public Trustee and Guardian functions into a single organisation will improve client experience and provide for better co-ordinated management of the affairs of vulnerable people.

“Ms Jodie Griffiths-Cook, who is currently the Queensland Public Advocate will take up the position of Public Advocate and Children and Young People Commissioner and will bring a background in psychology, non-government community sector work as well as experience developing and leading innovative disability and community services programs.
Mr Graeme Inness has been appointed to a three-month contract to assist with the establishment the new role of Discrimination, Health Services and Disability and Community Services Commissioner. This will allow the government to finalise a permanent appointment to this office.

“Mr Innes was Australia’s Disability Discrimination Commissioner from December 2005 to July 2014. During that time he has also served as Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner for three and a half years and as Race Discrimination Commissioner for two years.

“The government thanks the outgoing commissioners, Mr Alasdair Roy and Ms Mary Durkin for their service to the ACT community in their commissioner roles.

“Mr Roy has made a significant contribution to the ACT public sector, giving children and young people an important platform to express views and concerns and establishing strong links with the child and youth sector.

“Ms Durkin has built a robust and fair health services complaints process and worked effectively across government and with Australian health regulators. She has been a fiercely independent oversight office holder, promoting a high level of accountability in the provision of health, disability and older peoples’ services in the territory.

“Both outgoing commissioners have shown integrity, dedication and professionalism in their work.

“The government welcomes Ms Griffiths-Cook who will bring a fresh perspective to the commission and new ways to make the commission more accessible and flexible, while upholding the respected and collaborative position that the commission has developed within government as an independent statutory office.”

The Protection of Rights (Services) Legislation Amendment Act 2016 was passed in the Legislative Assembly on 9 February 2016 following a review of statutory oversight bodies. The Act created the position of president of the commission and brought the Public Advocate and Victims of Crime Commissioner into the commission.

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Ian Meikle, editor

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