Tasmania appoints new Commissioner for Children and Young People after rigorous interview process

A new Commissioner for Children and Young People has been appointed in Tasmania after a rigorous, independent selection process run by the Department of Communities Tasmania.

Ms Leanne McLean has been appointed by the Governor of Tasmania to fill the role.

Tasmanian Minister for Human Services Roger Jaensch said that Ms McLean has more than a decade of experience working in education and training and has been instrumental in vocational education policy and equity of access to learning – all aimed at improving the lives of young Tasmanians.

Ms McLean is a leader in social policy development and has most recently served as the Deputy Premier’s Chief of Staff.

Ms McLean was assessed as the most suitable candidate by the selection panel consisting of:

• Ros Cornish, CEO, Lady Gowrie Tasmania;
• Ginna Webster, Secretary, Department of Communities Tasmania;
• Kym Goodes, CEO, TASCOSS;
• Jenny Gale, Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet; and,
• Tim Bullard, Secretary, Department of Education.

The selection panel advised that Ms McLean’s vision, aspiration, understanding and sense of purpose was demonstrated strongly at interview.

A probity audit of the selection process conducted by WLF Accounting and Advisory determined that the process was conducted fairly and equitably to all parties.

“I wish the new Commissioner all the best in her new role as the state’s leading independent advocate ensuring all children have every opportunity to thrive, live, work and raise their own families in Tasmania,” said Mr Jaensch.

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Interim Commissioner, David Clements, for his hard work over the last year advocating for the rights and wellbeing of all children and young people in Tasmania.”