A Larrakia woman with experience as a lawyer and human rights advocate will commence work as the Northern Territory Children’s Commissioner today.
Attorney General and Minister for Justice Chansey Paech last month announced the appointment of Shahleena Musk, who has more than 20 years of experience in law and youth justice policy.
“Ms Musk brings a wealth of skills and experience to this role, having worked to improve legal and policy outcomes for children, youth, families, and communities for more than 20 years,” said Mr Paech.
“I proudly welcome Ms Musk to this role with full faith in her ability and commitment to fulfil this remit.”
Ms Musk gained her legal qualifications in Darwin and is admitted as a legal practitioner in the Supreme Courts of the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Victoria. Most recently, she managed law and justice projects at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency.
Ms Musk has worked as a human rights and youth justice advocate, criminal lawyer, and prosecutor; and has extensive experience in policy development, project delivery, law reform, and strategic research.
“As the first Aboriginal person to graduate with a law degree from the NT University and be admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, Ms Musk has not only paved the way for social change, she has been an inspiration and mentor to other Territorians,” the Attorney-General said.
The Children’s Commissioner has a crucial role in protecting and advancing the rights, care, safety, and wellbeing of children across the Northern Territory.
