ACT's First Indigenous Children's Commissioner Resigns Following Alleged Assault
The inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People in the Australian Capital Territory has resigned from what she described as a 'dream role' after alleging she was subjected to sexual harassment and assault. Indigenous woman Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, who was appointed to the groundbreaking position in 2024, officially stepped down at the end of 2025 following months of extended approved leave and mounting questions about her absence from Canberra.
Allegations of Workplace Violence and Safety Concerns
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, Turnbull-Roberts revealed she left her office after experiencing what she described as 'sexual harassment and sexual assault in Canberra by a public servant.' She cited profound concerns for her 'physical and psychological safety' as the primary reason for her departure, emphasizing that she needed to act in the 'best interests of my family.'
'This conduct has no place in any workplace,' Turnbull-Roberts declared firmly. 'Appropriate reports have been made, including to police, and these matters are now with the relevant authorities. This experience has impacted me in ways too shattering for language to fully hold.'
Response to Media Reports and Defending Her Decision
The resignation follows a report in the Canberra Times last month that highlighted concerns from several ministers about Turnbull-Roberts' 'persistent absenteeism.' The article suggested she maintained only a 'part-time presence' in Canberra and noted 'growing disquiet in the ACT First Nations community about the effectiveness of the Commissioner and her office.'
Turnbull-Roberts vehemently rejected these characterizations, labeling the report as 'incorrect and harmful.' She argued passionately: 'It misrepresented the reality of my decision and caused me further harm. Taking steps to protect one's health and safety should never be distorted or weaponised.'
Drawing from her personal experiences, she explained: 'No one leaves work of this significance without reason. As a survivor, a mother, and a proud Bundjalung woman, I know what it means to be unprotected in systems meant to provide care. I also know what it means to choose safety when it is not adequately provided.'
Personal Background and Professional Achievements
Turnbull-Roberts shared her traumatic history with the child protection system, revealing she was forcibly removed from her family at age ten due to racism and escaped the system at eighteen. This background fueled her dedication to the commissioner role, which was specifically created to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the ACT child protection system.
Despite her short tenure, she highlighted significant accomplishments during her time in office:
- Developing strong public submissions on critical issues
- Making substantial progress on work related to child exploitation
- Addressing family policing concerns and out-of-home-care challenges
- Advancing reforms within the justice system affecting Indigenous youth
'We named harm truthfully, and we placed critical issues on the public record. I am deeply proud of what was built together, shaped by care, courage, and love for our children,' she reflected.
Legacy and Future Implications
Turnbull-Roberts expressed deep appreciation for her time as commissioner, noting: 'I witnessed extraordinary courage. I sat with children and young people so often dismissed or silenced and watched them speak with clarity, strength, and spirit. I saw, firsthand, the power of culture and language as protection.'
In a poignant personal reflection, she added: 'Watching my daughter play, I thought about what I would want her to know: we do not have to tolerate danger, we are allowed to leave, and our safety is never negotiable.'
The ACT government has appointed Barbara Causon as acting commissioner since last October, ensuring continuity in the office's important work supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people during this transitional period.
