She’s black. She’s outspoken. She’s a strong woman going places. So of course the Canberra Times decided to tear her down. The ACT’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner was shamed for ‘persistent absenteeism’ in the wake of her resignation from the role.
Vanessa left the job to protect her health and safety after a public servant subjected her to sexual assault and harassment.
Police are investigating the attacks Vanessa, who is a well-respected human rights lawyer.
“This experience has impacted me in ways too shattering for language to fully hold,” Vanessa said in a statement.
“I escaped the child ‘protection’ system at 18, after being forcibly removed from my family and communities at 10 because of racism,” she said.
“I have lived what children and families endure inside these systems.
“My focus since has never wavered: human rights, Indigenous rights, children’s safety, and defending mothers and families.”
Vanessa said the media reporting and other speculation was deeply unfair and unacceptable.
“Taking steps to protect one’s health and safety should never be distorted or weaponised,” she said.
“No-one leaves work of this significance without reason.”
It is not known if the Canberra Times has apologised but I am 100% behind donating to any defamation fund for Vanessa.
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