Leanne McLean was appointed Tasmania’s Commissioner for Children and Young People in November 2018.

Her role is to promote the rights and wellbeing of Tasmanian children and young people - including ensuring that their rights are considered and promoted by adults when making decisions that may affect them.

Leanne has a wealth of experience as a leader in social policy development, including working at the coal face with young people; and shaping, delivering and communicating policies which affect them and empower them to shape their own future. Leanne is passionate about providing a voice for children and young people, believes strongly in the transformative power of education and early intervention and the value of every young person in shaping the future of Tasmania.

Leanne has lived in Tasmania all her life. She grew up in the deep south of Tasmania and moved to Hobart where she went to a government high school and college. After school, Leanne studied science at the University of Tasmania, where she won a karaoke competition (Leanne really loves music and singing).

Leanne loves chatting with young Tasmanians to hear how life’s going and what’s important to them.