Experienced executive consultant Dr Kylie Heneker will be the second Commissioner for Children and Young People, announced Education, Training and Skills Minister Blair Boyer yesterday.

Dr Heneker begins on October 19 and takes the reins from inaugural commissioner Helen Connolly, who completed her term in April, with Carclew Mimi Crowe appointed as acting commissioner in the interim period.

Heneker said the Commissioner role is an “incredible opportunity to further my life-long commitment to equity and inclusion and elevating the voices of people who are not often heard”.

“I am excited to hone my focus on empowering children and young people to be active contributors to positive change and co-creators of solutions,” she said.

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“My focus will be on driving collaborative approaches across government and non-government agencies, the human services sector, universities, philanthropy, and with families and communities, to create the best conditions for children and young people to thrive.”

Heneker holds a PhD in political theory from the University of Adelaide and has worked in a range of sectors, including education, human services and child protection.

Boyer said she had played a significant role in reforms that benefit children and young people, including leading work to raise the school leaving age, the introduction of vocational training pathways in SACE and introducing DHS’s Social Impact Framework.

Heneker was been the managing director of strategic consultancy services provider Strategic Solutions Co. for nearly 12 years, as well as lead evaluator for the Department of Human Services SA.

She was previously the corporate communications manager for SA Lotteries, a chief of staff and ministerial adviser within the South Australian government, the manager of community development in the SA Department of Treasury and Finance, and an associate lecturer at both the University of Adelaide and Flinders University.

Heneker has served on multiple boards in the social services sector, including as chair of the Uniting Communities board, a governor at The Wyatt Trust, deputy chair of Community Centres SA, and chair of the Access and Participation Group and Adult Community Education Committee at the Training and Skills Commission.

Boyer said Heneker was appointed to the advocacy role for a three-year term following an extensive recruitment process.

“Dr Heneker has extensive statutory, not-for-profit and philanthropic experience, demonstrating collaborative skills which have helped shape the overall strategic direction of government, non-government and not-for-profit organisations,” said Boyer.

“Her work in the child and family welfare intervention space across human and community services and with prominent care, family and child welfare, and disability providers, speaks to her ability to advocate and support South Australia’s children and young people.

“I am confident her experience in implementing change to improve the lives of children and young people will be of real benefit to the community of South Australia over the coming years, and I look forward to working with her.”