People Profile

Elizabeth Fraser, Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian

Since January 2005, Elizabeth Fraser has headed the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian, an organisation that promotes and protects the rights, interests and well-being of all Queenslanders under 18. Hugh O'Brien fires a dozen questions her way.

Where were you born?

In Singapore to an Australian mother and an English father. When I was seven I was sent to boarding school in Victoria. I have a seven-year-old grandson now and I can't possibly imagine sending him overseas to boarding school! But that was what expatriates did back then. The experience gave me some understanding of what it is like making your way in an institution.

Where were you educated?

When I was ten my parents moved to Brisbane and I joined them, and went to high school and university here. I did Social Work and Arts majoring in History, Psychology and Child Welfare. I lived in Canberra where my husband worked in foreign affairs and trade. We had four overseas postings before returning to Canberra where I worked in the welfare, hospital and court sector.

When did you join the Queensland public service?

We decided to return to Brisbane in 1992 with our three children. My first job in the Queensland Government was to review the Office of Rural Communities. I have also worked in Housing, Local Government and Planning; the former Department of Innovation and Information Economy, Sport and Recreation; and before taking up this role, I was Executive Director, Social Policy in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

What has been your best day in government?

Any day where I feel I have been able to bring something to the situation to push it forward in a way that I think is going to improve the safety or well-being of kids in the longer term.

What has been your worst day?

Any day where I hear about awful things that have been done to vulnerable people.

What makes you angry?

Any instance where people are hurting children, animals or the environment.

You spend a lot of time in Indigenous communities. Why is that?

Indigenous young people are way over-represented in the child protection, juvenile justice systems and child death register. It is really important that those communities understand what the commission is here to do and how we might assist them address issues of disadvantage and also to promote what works. But it is not all doom and gloom. Some Indigenous children are doing remarkably well and having good experiences. There are some really positive role models that Indigenous children can engage with - not just sporting heroes but nurses, teachers and others.

What is one life lesson you have learned?

Being a parent you learn you can't actually control any other human being. You can talk, you can model, you can assist, but you learn that other being actually does things their own way. It is the same in the workplace and the same in the community. I've also learned that life dishes up certain things and it's a question more of what you do with the cards you're dealt rather than lamenting about what you have been dealt.

What book are you reading at the moment?

The War Within by Don Tate. It's a very raw, true story about a man who grew up in Brisbane in a dirt-poor family then fought in Vietnam and then struggled with the trauma of readjusting to civilian life.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you cast as yourself?

Susan Sarandon. She has a reality about her and a sense of humour. She does tough roles well.

What favourite mementos are on your desk?

The ticked off 'to do' list gives me great joy!

Do you have a motto?

Give it your best, think big, join the dots and have fun!

July 2009