SSI welcomes appointment of new National Children’s Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris

National non-profit organisation SSI has welcomed the Australian Human Rights Commission’s appointment of Deb Tsorbaris as its new National Children’s Commissioner for the next five years.

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said SSI has enjoyed a strong and ongoing collaboration with Ms Tsorbaris and the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (CECFW), which she leads as CEO.

Ms Roumeliotis said Ms Tsorbaris’ appointment was wonderful news for the family and child welfare sector including SSI, which provides tailored programs and services to children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

“Ms Tsorbaris brings vast experience to the commissioner’s role, including her current position as CEO of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare,” Ms Roumeliotis said.

“SSI looks forward to working with Ms Tsorbaris and the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) to champion the rights of CALD children and their families so we can support them to thrive and reach their full potential.”

Ms Roumeliotis said children and families from CALD backgrounds often faced additional challenges in government systems, requiring tailored approaches that respond to culture, language, faith and settlement circumstances.

She said SSI was committed to working with the AHRC and its new commissioner to ensure CALD children are protected by culturally responsive programs, services and policy.

Ms Tsorbaris will take over the commissioner’s role from Anne Hollonds who finishes her five-year term on 1 November.

“We warmly thank Anne Hollonds for her steadfast commitment and extraordinary leadership as Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner over the past term. Her legacy is one of compassion, integrity and impact — leaving behind stronger systems, greater awareness, and a renewed commitment to putting children at the centre of policy and decision-making.”