The Allan Labor Government has appointed Tracy Beaton as the Principal Commissioner of the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP).
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn congratulated Ms Beaton on her appointment, which will begin on 22 December.
Ms Beaton brings more than 35 years of experience as a clinical practitioner and academic, with a strong record of improving child protection systems and delivering better outcomes for children, young people and families.
She has served as Chief Practitioner and Executive Director of the Office of Professional Practice at the former Department of Health and Human Services, where she provided strategic advice and delivered reforms to strengthen child welfare and embed evidence‑based practice.
During her time in the role, Ms Beaton oversaw the design and implementation of an enhanced response pilot project with Victoria Police that reduced the sexual exploitation of children. She also led a workforce strategy that delivered a substantial increase in the number of child protection practitioners.
Before that, Ms Beaton was Victoria's Chief Mental Health Nurse for seven years, introducing Safewards into mental health hospital settings to reduce occupational violence and contributing to the development of the state's Mental Health Act.
In her most recent role, Ms Beaton provided expert advice on child safeguarding initiatives as Associate Partner and Chief Clinical Officer at EY. She has supported organisations with analysis of the Child Safe Standards and redesigned and implemented a new operating model for the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
She has also held the role of Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences at La Trobe University and contributed her expertise in mental health and child protection to a number of publications.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"The Commission for Children and Young People plays a vital role in driving continuous improvement to keep Victorian children safe and supported."
"Tracy has decades of experience in child protection and mental health and will bring strong leadership and expertise to the Commission as they work to deliver better outcomes for children and young people."
As stated by Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People Tracy Beaton
"I am pleased to commence in the role of Principal Commissioner and look forward to collaborating with Government, the sector and industry partners to promote and advance the rights and wellbeing of children and young people."
