Tracy Beaton appointed as Victoria’s new Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People

The Allan Labor Government has appointed experienced clinical leader and child protection reformer Tracy Beaton as the new Principal Commissioner of Victoria’s Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP).

Ms Beaton commenced in the role on 22 December 2025, following her appointment by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn. The Commission plays a critical role in promoting and protecting the rights, safety and wellbeing of Victorian children and young people.

With more than 35 years of experience across clinical practice, mental health, child protection and system reform, Ms Beaton is widely recognised for her leadership in strengthening care systems and embedding evidence-based practice.

In her previous roles, Ms Beaton served as Chief Practitioner and Executive Director of the Office of Professional Practice at the former Department of Health and Human Services, where she delivered reforms to improve child welfare and build capability within the sector.

She led the design and implementation of a joint initiative with Victoria Police aimed at reducing child sexual exploitation, and oversaw a workforce strategy that significantly increased the number of child protection practitioners across the state.

Ms Beaton was also Victoria’s Chief Mental Health Nurse for seven years, where she introduced the Safewards model to reduce occupational violence in mental health settings and helped shape Victoria’s Mental Health Act.

Most recently, she served as Associate Partner and Chief Clinical Officer at EY, providing strategic guidance to organisations on child safeguarding, the Child Safe Standards, and the Reportable Conduct Scheme. She has also held the role of Adjunct Associate Professor at La Trobe University and contributed to academic publications in child protection and mental health.

Minister Lizzie Blandthorn said Ms Beaton’s appointment would bring valuable leadership to the Commission.

“The Commission for Children and Young People plays a vital role in driving continuous improvement to keep Victorian children safe and supported,” she said.

“Tracy has decades of experience in child protection and mental health and will bring strong leadership and expertise to the Commission as they work to deliver better outcomes for children and young people.”

Ms Beaton said she was pleased to step into the role and looked forward to continued collaboration with government and sector partners.

“I am pleased to commence in the role of Principal Commissioner and look forward to collaborating with Government, the sector and industry partners to promote and advance the rights and wellbeing of children and young people.”

The Commission for Children and Young People is an independent statutory body that monitors services, reviews reportable conduct allegations, oversees out-of-home care, and supports implementation of the Child Safe Standards across Victoria.

Read the full media release here.