Principal Commissioner, Commission for Children and Young People
Bernie has worked with vulnerable young people and their families for over 40 years, having been Victoria’s first outreach youth worker in West Heidelberg.
Commencing in 2005 as Victoria’s inaugural Child Safety Commissioner Bernie worked hard for eight years to enhance the safety and wellbeing of Victoria’s children.
Bernie commenced his current role on 1 March 2013. The Commission has wide ranging powers and responsibilities including the capacity to initiate inquiries where it believes there have been issues of concern in the delivery of services that effect children and young people. The Commission is independent of government and reports to the Victorian Parliament.
Session
Captains of change: Q&A with Commissioners, Public Advocate and Senior Practitioner
Monday 4th August, 2014: 3:30am - 5:00am
This conversation, moderated by Graeme Innes, former Disability Discrimination Commissioner, challenges thinking on ways to influence change. Panellists are asked about the way they advocate for change and how they use their positions of authority to safeguard the rights of people with a disability. How does this help advocates in their work? And what do they see as the hot topics?