Deputy Commissioner – Family Responsibilities Commission

The Queensland Government is seeking a senior legal leader for appointment as Deputy Commissioner of the Family Responsibilities Commission. This influential statutory role supports the independent operation of the Commission, working closely with five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Far North Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria to strengthen families, promote social responsibility and support positive behaviour change.

Based in Cairns, the Deputy Commissioner plays a key leadership role in decision making, community engagement and statutory governance, with a proven ability to support the development and implementation of key performance indicators to ensure the functions and responsibilities of an organisation are undertaken with the wellbeing and interests of the child remaining paramount.

About the Role

The Deputy Commissioner assists the Commissioner to administer the FRC Act under the principle that the wellbeing and best interests of a child are paramount and this is to be evident in all strategic planning and operations of the Family Responsibilities Commission (FRC). The Deputy Commissioner works closely with the Commissioner and may act in the role of Commissioner as required.

About the Family Responsibilities Commission

We are looking for a leader with experience overseeing or collaborating with child safety, youth justice or justice systems, with a demonstrated ability to drive strategic initiatives that improve outcomes for children, young people, and families.

You will have a proven ability to support the development and implementation of key performance indicators to ensure the functions and responsibilities of an organisation are undertaken with the wellbeing and interests of the child remaining paramount. You will have a comprehensive ability to influence and engage with systems that strengthen families and ensure child safety and prevention of proximate causes of harm, coupled with the strategic vision and leadership skills to implement organisation-wide policies, programs, and partnerships that deliver measurable impact.

You will bring:

• A strong legal foundation and the confidence to preside over conferences and make complex, high impact decisions.
• Deep cultural understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, community contexts and perspectives.
• Experience in mediation, alternative dispute resolution or similar roles requiring balanced, fair and independent judgement.
• The ability to work effectively with senior leaders, Local Commissioners and community representatives.
• Integrity, resilience and professionalism in a highly sensitive and public interest environment.
• The ability to leverage data, insights and performance measures to drive continuous improvement, accountability and the achievement of strategic objectives.

Mandatory and Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for appointment, you must:

• Be a lawyer of at least five years standing.
• Demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Have relevant experience in mediation, alternative dispute resolution, or similar decision-making roles.
• Consent to criminal history, domestic violence, child protection and probity checks as required under the Family Responsibilities Commission Act 2008.