The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people in Tasmania.
I am pleased to announce that on Friday I will recommend to the Governor the appointment of David Clements as the Interim Commissioner for Children and Young People.
With the impending departure of the current Commissioner, Mark Morrissey, we are acting to ensure the position is not left vacant while we undertake a nationwide recruitment process for a permanent Commissioner.
The Liberal Government is continuing to implement a range of important reforms, including our redesign of child safety services, and it is important that children and young people have a strong voice.
In succeeding Mr Morrissey in this role, Mr Clements has the extensive experience needed to contribute to these reforms.
Currently the State Manager for National Disability Services in Tasmania, Mr Clements has extensive experience in not-for-profit management, policy development, corporate governance, change management, strategic planning, recruitment and management of paid staff and volunteers and delivery of services.
Mr Clements' experience in policy development is extensive with major policy work undertaken for NDS, the Tasmanian Government, as chief executive for the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council and the Hepatitis Council of Victoria.
Mr Clements has worked with and on behalf of children and young people in a range of roles in frontline service delivery in out of home care, youth justice, alcohol and other drug, and homelessness services. He also has extensive experience in project and program management, through to leading teams and executive management.
I believe Mr Clements will make a great contribution as the Interim Commissioner for Children and Young People.
After ratification by Her Excellency the Governor, Mr Clements will commence in the role on Monday for an initial period of six months, or until the position of Commissioner for Children and Young People is permanently filled.
On behalf of the Government, I once again express my sincere appreciation to Mr Morrissey for his service to Tasmanian children and young people, and wish him well in all his future endeavours.