The Implementation Monitor has welcomed the appointment of Sonya Pringle-Jones as Tasmania’s new Commissioner for Children and Young People, coinciding with the formal establishment of the new Commission for Children and Young People.
Ms Pringle-Jones commences as Commissioner today, 8 October 2026.
The establishment of the Commission is a significant milestone in Tasmania’s child safety reform program and is an important step in implementing key recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings (the COI).
The COI recommended the establishment of a new, independent, statutory Commission with expanded functions and powers to promote children’s rights, strengthen oversight and advocate for children and young people.
The new Commission will have a broad role in promoting the rights, safety, wellbeing and participation of children and young people, conducting inquiries into systemic issues, recommending improvements to government, and monitoring and reviewing the wellbeing, care and treatment of children and young people in out-of-home care and youth justice.
The new Commission will comprise three Commissioners: the Commissioner for Children and Young People, the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, and the Child Advocate. The Independent Regulator will also form part of the Commission and continue to undertake its regulatory functions under the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act 2023.
The Government expects the new Commission to be fully operational in 2027.
Ms Pringle-Jones brings her experience working with children and young people, including in child protection, residential care and therapeutic support. She was Tasmania’s inaugural Child Advocate for children and young people in out-of-home care. She has the challenging task of establishing the new Commission, bringing together its expanded functions and supporting the transition to a fully operational organisation.
Her appointment followed a recruitment process that included both adult and young people’s selection panels, giving young Tasmanians a direct role in selecting the Commissioner.
Implementation Monitor Robert Benjamin AM KC said the establishment of the Commission was an important step in Tasmania’s child safety reforms.
“Today is an important milestone in Tasmania’s child safety reforms.
“The Commission of Inquiry recommended a stronger, independent Commission to advocate for children and young people and strengthen oversight of the systems responsible for their care and safety.
“The establishment of the new Commission brings that recommendation a significant step closer to reality.
“I welcome Sonya Pringle-Jones to the role of Commissioner and look forward to working with her and the Commission as this work continues.
“There is still work to do to fully establish the Commission, but today marks an important step forward.”
The Implementation Monitor will continue to independently monitor, review and evaluate the Government’s progress in implementing the COI recommendations, including those relating to the new Commission.