Login
Lawyer appointed CEO of Human Rights Commission
An Australian diplomat and human rights lawyer has been named as the new chief executive of the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Jerome Doraisamy
Leanne Smith has been appointed as the new chief executive of AHRC, following a publicly advertised and open recruitment process. She will commence in her new role on 22 November 2021.
As a diplomat, she worked for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Development Program, and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
Speaking about the appointment, Commission president Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM said that the Commission is “delighted” that Ms Smith is returning, noting that she brings “extensive experience in human rights and public policy”.
Ms Smith said: “It is a real honour to come back to the Commission after more than 20 years. The AHRC plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the rights of every Australian.”
“The incredible work it does across its mandates, every day, is a tribute to the passion and the commitment of the people who work there. I will be very proud to count myself as one of them.”
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
You can email Jerome at:
