Rachael Ward has been permanently appointed as the Children’s Guardian for New South Wales, confirming her leadership of the Office of the Children’s Guardian after serving in the acting role since March last year.
The appointment places Ms Ward at the helm of the independent statutory office responsible for safeguarding children and young people across the state. The role oversees the Working with Children Check system, along with the Reportable Conduct and Child Safe schemes, which together form a central part of the state’s child protection framework.
Ms Ward brings more than two decades of experience in child protection law to the position. She has spent over 24 years specialising in the field and is a member of the Children’s Court Advisory Committee. Before stepping into the acting guardian role, she was Director of Child Law at the Department of Communities and Justice.
During her time as Acting Children’s Guardian, Ms Ward focused on restoring capability within the regulator and lifting compliance and enforcement activity. Those efforts have coincided with increased investment in the office, including a $5.5 million funding boost over two years. The funding means the Office of the Children’s Guardian is now more than $10 million a year better off compared to 2022-23.
Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said the permanent appointment recognised Ms Ward’s leadership and experience.
“I am pleased to confirm the permanent appointment of Rachael Ward as the Children’s Guardian,” Ms Washington said.
“As the Acting Children’s Guardian, Ms Ward has demonstrated strong leadership and professionalism driven by her longstanding dedication to child safety.”
Ms Washington also linked the appointment to broader government efforts to strengthen enforcement.
“I acknowledge and welcome Ms Ward’s proactive approach to compliance activities. The Minns Labor Government is investing in stronger enforcement of child safety laws, with the Office of the Children’s Guardian now more than $10 million a year better off.”
Ms Ward said she was honoured to take on the role on a permanent basis and highlighted the work of her team.
“I am honoured to be appointed as the Children’s Guardian. Over the past year it has been my privilege to lead the excellent staff at the Office of the Children’s Guardian and I look forward to our continued work to make NSW safer for children and young people, and people living with disability,” she said.
Ms Ward has been appointed for a five-year term, which will run until February 2031.
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