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Sally Sievers appointed Children’s Commissioner as Colleen Gwynne prepares for court

A TEMPORARY Children’s Commissioner has been appointed while current commissioner Colleen Gwynne goes to court charged with abuse of office

NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Sally Sievers was appointed acting Children’s Commissioner.
NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Sally Sievers was appointed acting Children’s Commissioner.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION Commissioner Sally Sievers has been appointed acting Children’s Commissioner until further notice.

Ms Sievers began the role on Wednesday, will continue to juggle her current position as Anti-Discrimination Commissioner as well as Children’s Commissioner.

Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination Sally Sievers in 2016.
Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination Sally Sievers in 2016.

Ms Sievers has been a lawyer since 1988 within government and private practice, and has held various stints as Relieving Magistrate.

She was appointed as the NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner and Principal Community Visitor in January 2013.

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Current Commissioner Colleen Gwynne was charged with abuse of office by NT Police on July 17, in an investigation sparked by a referral dating back to late 2018.

NT Children's Commissioner Colleen Gwynne, addresses the media following the report from the internal review into the alleged rape of the toddler in Tennant Creek, NT. Picture: Justin Kennedy
NT Children's Commissioner Colleen Gwynne, addresses the media following the report from the internal review into the alleged rape of the toddler in Tennant Creek, NT. Picture: Justin Kennedy

The NT News understands the charge relates to the hiring of a staff member.

Ms Gwynne was handed a notice to appear in court on August 27, 2020.

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The high-profile former police officer, who managed to put Bradley John Murdoch behind bars for the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio, said she would “vigorously” defend the charge.

She will be represented by Phillip Boulten SC instructed by Bowden McCormack Lawyers.

raphaella.saroukos@news.com.au

Originally published as Sally Sievers appointed Children’s Commissioner as Colleen Gwynne prepares for court

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/sally-sievers-appointed-childrens-commissioner-as-colleen-gwynne-prepares-for-court/news-story/0a84192331bcca921e6643a6a8df99c5