The Andrews Labor Government has appointed respected reconciliation advocate Justin Mohamed as the new Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People.
A proud Gooreng Gooreng man from Bundaberg in Queensland, Mr Mohamed has spent much of his career working in the Aboriginal health and sport sector, improving outcomes and connections to culture for Aboriginal people, including children.
He is a distinguished leader in reconciliation, having served as the Chief Executive Officer of Reconciliation Australia for three years until 2017, and was most recently the CEO of Equity Health Solutions.
He has also been the Director of the Academy of Sport, Health and Education, based at the University of Melbourne’s Shepparton campus, and CEO of Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative.
Mr Mohamed has also held several board positions including as chairperson for the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and was a member of the Closing the Gap National Steering Committee.
Mr Mohamed will begin his five-year term on 28 May.
His appointment comes following the departure of inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People Andrew Jackomos in January.
Mr Jackomos advocated for the establishment of the Aboriginal Children’s Forum, the Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance, and led a number of landmark enquiries into the care of Aboriginal children.
The role of Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young people is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal children and young people, and connect them, their families and carers to quality and inclusive services that support them.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“Justin is greatly respected in the Aboriginal community and I am confident he will lead many positive improvements.”
“There is no greater calling than to address the over-representation of Aboriginal children in our child protection and care systems – we look forward to Justin building on the legacy left by Andrew Jackomos.”
Quotes attributable to Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People Justin Mohamed
“I’m honoured to be appointed the new Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People and am extremely proud to continue the great work of the inaugural Commissioner Andrew Jackomos.”
“I look forward to building upon his work to the best of my ability to deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people and families in Victoria.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020