Jeff will take up his role on 21 April, replacing the inaugural NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM. Kathryn McKenzie has served as Acting Commissioner since April 2024.
Robert spoke at the National Retirement Living Summit in July last year, stating elder abuse affects one in six older Australians, including those living in retirement villages.
The NSW Government said in a statement about the appointment the Commission plays a critical role in protecting older people and adults with disability from abuse, neglect, and exploitation across the state.
Jeff, a solicitor, was Chief Executive Officer of Disability Advocacy Network Australia, the peak body for independent advocates. Prior to this, he served as CEO of the Environmental Defenders Office NSW for 14 years and later led People with Disability Australia.
“As a person with a disability with extensive professional experience in social justice, I have admired the extraordinary track record the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission has established in adult safeguarding in NSW,” Jeff said.
“I look forward to building on the Commission’s legacy and helping older people and people with disability live safer and better lives.”
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