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The Centre for Indigenous Policy Research and the Crime and Social Justice programme at the Australian National University are pleased to co-host a NAIDOC Week Lecture celebrating Indigenous leadership in policy making.

The inaugural National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Sue-Anne Hunter, will deliver the lecture, reflecting on the national significance of her historic appointment and sharing her priorities for policy reform to better protect Indigenous children and young people.

Ms Hunter is a Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman with extensive experience in governance and leadership. She has practiced as a qualified social worker and is a recognised leader in the First Nations child and family services sector.

From May 2021 to 30 June 2025, Ms Hunter worked as Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and has previously served as National Sector Development Manager, SNAICC ¨C National Voice for our Children. A child and family services practitioner by trade, she has over twenty years¡¯ clinical experience responding to developmental, transgenerational and community trauma.

She is widely recognised for developing rights-based, transformative practice responses that empower Aboriginal people to heal from the continuing effects and processes of colonisation. She has practical experience in establishing organisations under government legislation, including developing the framework and methodology for Yoorrook.

Held in recognition of NAIDOC Week, this special event celebrates leadership in policy making, recognising the success and innovation of Indigenous-led policy making and the value of embedding Indigenous knowledge and lived experience in decision making.