Ms Rachael Ward has today been permanently appointed as the Children's Guardian for NSW.
Ms Ward has been the Acting Children's Guardian since March 2025 and during that time has demonstrated strong and stable leadership as the head of the Office of the Children's Guardian.
The Children's Guardian is an independent statutory officeholder responsible for the safety of children and young people in NSW, including the administration of the Working with Children Check system, and the Reportable Conduct and Child Safe schemes.
Ms Ward brings a depth of legal and professional experience, with over 24 years of specialisation in child protection law. Ms Ward is a member of the Children's Court Advisory Committee and was previously the Director of Child Law at the Department of Communities and Justice.
During her time as the Acting Children's Guardian, Ms Ward has focused on rebuilding the capability of the regulator and increasing compliance and enforcement activities.
The Minns Labor Government is investing in improving children's safety, with the Office of the Children's Guardian recently receiving a $5.5 million funding boost over two years, meaning the office is now more than $10 million a year better off compared to 2022-23.
Ms Ward's appointment is for a five-year term and will expire in February 2031.
Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:
"I am pleased to confirm the permanent appointment of Rachael Ward as the Children's Guardian.
"As the Acting Children's Guardian, Ms Ward has demonstrated strong leadership and professionalism driven by her longstanding dedication to child safety.
"I acknowledge and welcome Ms Ward's proactive approach to compliance activities. The Minns Labor Government is investing in stronger enforcement of child safety laws, with the Office of the Children's Guardian now more than $10 million a year better off."
Children's Guardian, Rachael Ward said:
"I am honoured to be appointed as the Children's Guardian. Over the past year it has been my privilege to lead the excellent staff at the Office of the Children's Guardian and I look forward to our continued work to make NSW safer for children and young people, and people living with disability."
