Commissioner, Family Responsibilities Commission

Position Type: Statutory Appointment
Appointment Term: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2029 (possible extension)
Location: Cairns (with regular travel throughout Cape York and the Gulf)
Closing Date:  Midnight 22 April 2026
Remuneration:
In accordance with section 16 of the Family Responsibilities Commission Act 2008, the Commissioner’s remuneration and allowances are set by the Governor in Council.
Confidential enquiries regarding remuneration expectations may be directed to Dan Wilson, First Grade Group, at recruitment.gps@firstgrade.com.au.
  
About the Role
The Family Responsibilities Commission (FRC) is a statutory body established under the Family Responsibilities Commission Act 2008 to support individuals, families and communities in Aurukun, Coen, Doomadgee, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge to restore socially responsible standards of behaviour and strengthen local authority.

The Queensland Government is seeking an exceptional and principled leader for appointment as Commissioner of the FRC. This is a unique and highly influential statutory leadership role, combining judicial-style decision making, community engagement and executive governance in one of the State’s most culturally significant policy environments.

Leading an office based in Cairns, the Commissioner is the Chief Executive Officer and accountable officer of the FRC, responsible for the effective and impartial operation of the Commission, while preserving its statutory independence.
    
About the Family Responsibilities Commission
The FRC works alongside community members, Local Commissioners and service systems to support responsibility, wellbeing and positive behaviour change in the five communities. Through conferences, referrals and orders, the FRC plays a critical role in strengthening families, supporting children’s education and wellbeing, and reinforcing local authority.

The Commission comprises:

• Commissioner
• A Deputy Commissioner
• 39 Local Commissioners from the five communities
• A small registry and support team based in Cairns.

The Commissioner reports to the Family Responsibilities Board and the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and works closely with community leaders, government agencies and nongovernment partners.

Please refer to the FRC’s website for further information: www.frcq.org.au

Key Responsibilities
As Commissioner, you will:

• Provide leadership to ensure the efficient, independent and fair discharge of the Commission’s functions under the Family Responsibilities Commission Act 2008.
• Preside over FRC conferences and make determinations relating to agency notices, compliance with case plans, and applications to amend or end family responsibilities orders.
• Lead, support and train Local Commissioners to ensure culturally informed, consistent and high-quality decision-making across communities.
• Act as the Chief Executive Officer and accountable officer, with responsibility for governance, financial management, risk, integrity and performance under Queensland public sector legislation.
• Prepare the FRC’s annual report and provide regular operational reporting to the Family Responsibilities Board.
• Develop and issue FRC guidelines in accordance with legislative requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, government agencies and partner organisations.
• Oversee the functions of the registry, including ensuring registry staff receive regular and appropriate training.
• Undertake regular travel to the communities in which the FRC operates and represent the FRC in a range of forums and engagements.
• Attend and present at Family Responsibilities Board meetings (at least every six months)..

The Perfect Fit
This role requires a highly credible statutory leader who can operate with independence, authority and cultural humility in complex environments.

You will bring:

• Strong values-based leadership and the ability to exercise sound judgement in sensitive and high-impact matters.
• Deep cultural understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories community contexts and perspectives.
• The personal authority to preside over conferences and make determinations that balance accountability, fairness and community wellbeing.
• Proven experience working collaboratively across government, communities and service systems.
• The resilience, integrity and confidence to lead a statutory body while maintaining impartiality and public trust.

Mandatory and Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for appointment, you must:

• Be a lawyer of at least five years standing.
• Demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Have relevant experience in mediation, alternative dispute resolution, or similar decision-making roles.
• Consent to criminal history domestic violence, child protection and probity checks as required under the Family Responsibilities Commission Act 2008.
• Relevant documentation (including proof of legal admission) will be required as part of the application process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Ready to Apply
This is a rare and compelling leadership opportunity for a senior legal professional who wants to make a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Far North Queensland and the Gulf region.

Please provide the following to form a complete application:

• A two-page statement outlining how your experience, skills and abilities relate to the role
• A current resume (up to 4 pages)
• Completed Form A - Appointment to government body: personal particulars form
• Completed Form B - Consent to Suitability Checks and Proof of Identity Checks
• Completed Form C - Statutory Appointments and Public Sector Employment held

Please forward these to Dan Wilson at First Grade Group on recruitment.gps@firstgrade.com.au