A life's work seeking reform of agencies through Royal Commissions into Police and Institutional Child Abuse has seen Hurstville Grove resident Stephen Kinmond recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Mr Kinmond has been awarded the Order of the Medal of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through complaint investigation and resolution roles.
Mr Kinmond was Community and Disability Services Commissioner (Deputy Ombudsman) from 2004 to 2018 during the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Abuse.
He was also Assistant Ombudsman (Police) 1995 to 2003 during the period covering the Wood Royal Commission into Policing.
"Because I was involved in two Royal Commissions it means that people were also looking at how I was doing my job," Mr Kinmond said.
"It helps to focus the mind to make a difference."
Following the Wood Royal Commission into Policing, Mr Kinmond was involved in establishing the Reportable Conduct Scheme which covers the reporting of sexual misconduct, physical abuse and neglect of children in schools or foster care.
"Under the scheme hundreds of people have been charged with serious offences against children," he said.
The Royal Commission recommended that the scheme be rolled out nationally.
Mr Kinmond said reform of agencies has to take place from within.
"It is about connecting with people in these organisations who have a passion for change," he said.
"The thing I've learnt is how many fantastic people there are who are serving the community and are willing to work for real reform.
"It is a privilege in working in partnership with these people."
