Commissioner for Aboriginal Children Appointed in Victoria
15 July 2013 at 12:28 pm
Andrew Jackomos has been appointed as Victoria’s first Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People.
Jackomos, an Aboriginal man from Victoria, is well respected and has more than 30 years’ experience in Aboriginal affairs policy and public administration.
He is currently Director of the Koori Justice Unit in the Department of Justice and has a significant record of achievement in areas directly relevant to the Commission, including housing, justice, and education and training.
Jackomos has been at the forefront of developing and implementing the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement, including the Koori Court system.
He was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2006 for his service involving Indigenous issues in justice, and is a Member of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples.
Jackomos will work alongside Principal Commissioner Bernie Geary and will oversee the five year plan for Aboriginal children in out-of-home care and provide advice to government and service providers about policies and practices that will promote the safety and well-being of Aboriginal children.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jeanette Powell said Jackomos’ role as commissioner will play an important part in protecting and supporting vulnerable Aboriginal children and families.
Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge said the appointment was an historic step which recognised the vulnerabilities and over-representation of Aboriginal children and young people in the child protection system.
“Victoria is the only jurisdiction in the country to have a dedicated Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People,” she said.
The Coalition Government established the Commission for Children and Young People which started in March this year and operates independently to Government.
