4 AUGUST 2025
The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) congratulates Sue-Anne Hunter on her appointment to the role of National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.
As Australia's first permanent Commissioner, Ms Hunter will advocate on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to ensure their rights and best interests remain centred in decision making, while working to keep government at all levels accountable.
“Commissioner Hunter’s appointment represents a positive step towards changing the systems which are currently failing our children and young people,” said VACCA CEO Muriel Bamblett. “A staunch advocate and fearless truth-teller, Sue-Anne has continuously demonstrated her unwavering commitment to upholding their rights and best interests.”
Commissioner Hunter’s appointment follows recently released Productivity Commission data showing that nationally, only four of the 19 targets outlined in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap are on track to be met. Most concerningly, this includes worsening rates of Aboriginal children entering out of home care in Victoria.
“We have consistently said that the way forward is through Aboriginal led evidence-based changes to policies, legislation and systems. As Commissioner, Sue-Anne will hear the voices of our children and elevate their concerns,” said Mrs Bamblett. “They deserve nothing less than this. There is no one better placed to turn the tide on the current figures.”
Bringing more than two decades of experience within the child and family services sector, including frontline work and senior roles with VACCA and SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children, Commissioner Hunter most recently held the role of Commissioner and Deputy Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
“Our children are our future, and we cannot risk losing another generation to systems that are failing them,” said Mrs Bamblett. “We look forward to working alongside Sue-Anne in her role as Commissioner and supporting her ongoing commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, strengthening culture in our communities, and centring the safety, wellbeing and rights of our children.”
- ENDS -
FOR RELEASE
Beth Cesarin - Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
PH: 0472 505 780 E: bethc@vacca.org
ABOUT VACCA - www.vacca.org
The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is Victoria’s Peak Voice for Aboriginal children. We are the leading provider of Aboriginal child and family services, and the largest provider of services for Aboriginal family violence and homelessness. We have been supporting children, young people, and families in the community for over 47 years as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).
Through our vision of self-determination – Live, Experience, and Be – we exist to support culturally strong, safe, and thriving Aboriginal communities. We deliver over 80 programs across Victoria including child and family services, family violence, support for stolen generations, child protection, cultural strengthening programs, mental health, financial services, justice and redress support, early years, and homelessness services.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we work. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present, and to their children and young people who are the future elders and caretakers of this great land.