Portrait of Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts in red dress sitting down against black background

Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts

Commissioner, Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People

Malagan everyone, I am a proud Bundjalung Widubul-Wiabul woman, advocate for Human Rights, author, lawyer, and have recently been appointed as the Inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People. From experiences in Out Of Home Care and facing injustices to becoming a Commissioner, Vanessa has devoted her life to empowering Indigenous self-determination and fighting for justice for First Nations people and children in Australia and worldwide.

Vanessa is a highly accomplished professional with a strong background in advocating for human rights, particularly focusing on First Nations children and young people, global Indigenous rights, and transnational solidarity. I completed my qualifications in Law, Social Work, and First Class Honours from the University Of New South Wales, and have decided to complete my PhD on the side of a busy world and life.