SNAICC congratulates Natalie Lewis on her appointment as Commissioner for the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC), with a focus on providing critical oversight of the systemic and structural issues disproportionately affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Queensland.
Natalie’s new role aligns strongly with SNAICC’s advocacy over the years for the appointment of commissioners for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in every state, territory and nationally.
A proud Gamilaraay (Kamilaroi) yinar woman, Natalie has more than two decades of experience working in youth justice and child and family services, and is a passionate advocate for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
As Chief Executive Officer for Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP), Natalie’s leadership has led to significant reform in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child protection and family services sectors.
Natalie has shown a long-term commitment and dedication to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families in her position on the SNAICC Board for more than eight years and as Chair and Co-Chair of the Family Matters campaign.
Natalie has been instrumental in championing the five elements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle in Queensland’s child protection system and ushering in reforms that have increased the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities and organisations in child protection decision making and practice.
SNAICC CEO and Family Matters Co-Chair Richard Weston said,
At a national level, Natalie has tirelessly advocated for national reform through the Family Matters campaign, which aims to end the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care.
While we will miss working with Natalie, we wish her all the best in her new role. And SNAICC looks forward to continuing our work together to improve outcomes for our children.”
SNAICC Chair Muriel Bamblett said,
Natalie has a deep commitment to keeping our children’s best interests at the forefront of government policy to ensure our children are safe and connected to culture and kin. I congratulate the Queensland Government on this appointment. Natalie is an influential voice and has represented the sector on the Council of Australian Government’s Joint Council on Closing the Gap and the National Forum contributing to the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children.
On behalf of SNAICC, we thank Natalie for her hard work, passion and dedication to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. Whilst she will be sorely missed, we know the criticality of this role in upholding the rights of our children, and therefore wish her every success.”
Adjunct Professor Muriel Bamblett AO, SNAICC Chair & VACCA CEO
As Commissioner, Natalie will support the Principal Commissioner Cheryl Vardon with a strong focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Natalie will be leading on the Families are First program and continue the QFCC’s collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to address the structural and systemic issues that our children face.
