Who is the Commissioner for Children?

Paul Mason was appointed Commissioner for Children on the 23 April 2007.  Mr Mason has a background in family law as a solicitor and barrister with 27 years of experience across three states, including being a children's representative in over 200 mediation cases and acting as an independent children's lawyer in the Family Court.   Mr Mason brings a strong commitment to achieiving optimal outcomes for children, through negotiation and mediation skills to his position as Tasmania's Commissioner for Children.

The Commissioner for Children was established under section 78 of the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1997. The development of the Act was informed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Sections 79 and 80 of the Act set out the Commissioner for Children's functions and powers.