September 1, 2019
Queensland barrister – and former Cherbourg resident – Tammy Williams has been appointed Family Responsibilities Commissioner.
The announcement was made on Sunday by the State Government.
Ms Williams will officially start in the role on Monday, replacing long-serving Commissioner David Glasgow.
Her initial appointment is for 10 months until June 30, 2020.
The Family Responsibilities Commission (FRC) is an independent statutory body established under the Family Responsibilities Commission Act 2008.
It has operated in the Cape York communities of Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge since 2008, co-funded by the Queensland and Federal governments.
It has also operated in Doomadgee since 2014, funded solely by the State Government.
According to the State Government, the FRC aims to “restore social norms, re-establish local Indigenous authority, enable engagement in the economy and increase home ownership” in the communities in which it works.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the appointment provided certainty around the future of the Family Responsibilities Commission.
“Ms Williams’ appointment as Commissioner provides strong leadership for the Welfare Reform Communities serviced by the FRC,” Ms Trad said.
“Ms Williams has the energy, vision and ability to communicate across local, corporate and government levels and offers a strategic and fresh leadership approach.
“She brings deep understanding of the commission, its Local Commissioners and communities from her time as Acting Director-General of the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, in addition to extensive decision-making, mediation and alternative dispute resolution techniques from seven years as a Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal adjudicator.
“As Commissioner, she will play an important role together with Local Commissioners in the co-design of Local Thriving Communities in the Welfare Reform communities, including building on the local leadership established through the FRC.”
The appointment follows an agreed recruitment process and nomination endorsed by the Family Responsibilities Board, which includes representatives from the State and Federal Governments and Cape York Institute.
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