Dallas Widdicombe appointed Victoria’s new Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People

Warning: This article discusses child protection and the over-representation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care, which may be distressing for some readers.

The Victorian Government has appointed Dharug man Dallas Widdicombe as the state’s new Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, more than five months after the role was vacated by outgoing Yorta Yorta Commissioner Meena Singh.

Mr Widdicombe is currently chief executive of the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative on Dja Dja Wurrung Country and will commence his five-year term on Monday 15 June. He has held the BDAC chief executive position since late 2022, having returned to the co-operative as interim chief executive in October 2023 before being appointed permanently.

Victorian Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn announced the appointment, citing Mr Widdicombe’s executive leadership across child and family welfare at the national, state and local levels.

“He brings a strong executive leadership record and focus on improving outcomes for Aboriginal children and families” Ms Blandthorn said.

Mr Widdicombe was recognised in 2024 with the Walda Blow Victorian Protecting Children Award for his work establishing the Garinga Bupup Early Intervention Program for expectant mothers at BDAC. The program records a 63 per cent diversion rate from child protection – a notable result in a state that continues to remove Aboriginal children at among the highest rates in the country.

He has previously served as a Director of the National and Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Bendigo Health, has been a board member of the Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance, and chaired the Loddon Mallee Aboriginal Reference Group.

In his first public statement as Commissioner-designate, Mr Widdicombe told the State Government his focus would be on accountability and follow-through.

“As Commissioner my promise is simple, I will listen with respect, speak with courage, and insist that commitments become change – so Aboriginal children grow up safe, strong and proud,” Mr Widdicombe said.

The appointment closes a sustained gap in Victoria’s specialist Aboriginal child welfare oversight. Yorta Yorta woman Meena Singh resigned from the role in November 2025, citing in part the Allan Government’s punitive approach to youth justice, including its proposal to introduce harsh adult-style prison sentences for children. She had served as the state’s third Commissioner since April 2022.

Mr Widdicombe inherits a portfolio under acute pressure. Victoria continues to remove Aboriginal children into out-of-home care at the highest rate in the country, with the most recent Productivity Commission data placing the Victorian removal rate at more than 90 First Nations children per 1,000 – far above the national average. The Yoorrook Justice Commission heard extensive testimony linking child removals to family violence, poverty, racism, and unborn notifications, with one in five Aboriginal children reportedly removed before they are three months old.

He will work alongside newly appointed Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People Tracy Beaton, who began her own five-year term in December 2025, and the federal-level National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman Sue-Anne Hunter, whose role was strengthened by Commonwealth legislation passed in March 2026.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers seeking support, 13YARN is available on 13 92 76 (24 hours, 7 days). The National Indigenous Critical Response Service operates on 1800 805 801.