Greek-Aboriginal Andrew Jackomos has announced that he is preparing to step down from his role as the first ever Australian Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, after five monumental years. The farewell ceremony takes place tonight at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.

During his tenure, Mr Jackomos has made a significant contribution in improving the lives of Aboriginal children and young people through his advocacy for the Aboriginal Children’s Forum, the Aboriginal Justice Forum and Indigenous Family Violence Partnership Forum.

“Andrew has been tireless in his work as Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, highlighting significant issues and forging a path for improved outcomes for young people for many years to come,” Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos said.

“Andrew’s work will continue to benefit Aboriginal Victorians and the broader community – we thank him for his dedication and continued service to Aboriginal people.”

Mr Jackomos is also responsible for the establishment of the Victorian Young People Alliance and the development of a state-wide Aboriginal Children’s Agreement which he will continue to oversee as the Special Adviser for Self-Determination, within the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

He will conclude his time in his current role on January 31 but the Labor Government will continue to work towards implementing his recommendations into the child protection system’s application of the Aboriginal child placement principle and the task-force that examined circumstances of approximately 1,000 Aboriginal children and young people in out-of-home care.

In addition to his work as Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People he has also played an important role in the implementation of the Labor Government’s Roadmap for Reform, helping to give Aboriginal people responsibility for the care and decision-making of Aboriginal children and families while he has established the Walda Blow Award to recognise the contribution of Aboriginal people in Victoria to the safety and well-being of Aboriginal children and young people.