Roslyn Cornish appointed Interim Commissioner for Children and Young People in Tasmania

The Tasmanian Government has appointed respected early childhood education leader Roslyn Cornish as Interim Commissioner for Children and Young People, marking a significant transition in the state’s child-rights and independent oversight framework.

The appointment was announced by Jo Palmer following the conclusion of Isabelle Crompton’s tenure in the role. Minister Palmer acknowledged Ms Crompton’s longstanding contribution, including service as Acting and Interim Commissioner, as well as her earlier work within the Office of the Commissioner for Children and Young People dating back to 2011.

Ms Cornish brings more than 40 years of experience in early childhood education, with a career spanning leadership, advocacy and sector development at both state and national levels.

Minister Palmer described her as a “highly respected educational leader and advocate” whose work has made a significant contribution across the sector.

For the early childhood education and care community, the appointment reflects the increasing recognition of early years expertise in broader child wellbeing, safeguarding and public policy leadership roles.

The Tasmanian Government said the role of Commissioner remains critical to ensuring strong and independent oversight of systems that impact children and young people.

Minister Palmer said the Government was committed to protecting “the rights, wellbeing and voices of our children and young people.”

Prior to Ms Cornish’s appointment, Catherine Whitington had been temporarily undertaking the functions of Interim Commissioner alongside her existing responsibilities.

Ms Cornish commenced as Interim Commissioner on 13 April 2026 and will serve until 7 July 2026, or until a permanent appointment is finalised under Tasmania’s new Commission for Children and Young People Act 2025 framework.

Independent commissioners play an important role in advocating for children’s rights, monitoring systems, influencing policy and ensuring children’s voices are heard in decisions that affect them.

For ECEC stakeholders, the appointment is also a reminder that leadership developed within the early childhood sector can translate powerfully into wider child-focused governance and advocacy roles.

Read the full announcement here.