Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts is a proud Bundjalung Widubul Wiabul woman, human rights lawyer, influential advocate, accomplished author, and nationally and internationally recognised First Nations leader across the world. Formerly serving as the commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, her journey began with being forcibly removed by the department at the age of 10, ripped from her community and family. This drove her to transform her life into a symbol of resilience and a lifelong pursuit of justice and systemic reform, with a particular focus on the welfare of First Nations children and young people.

Vanessa's educational journey led her to obtain degrees in Law and Social Work with first-class honors from the University of New South Wales. Her work addresses the impact of the law and welfare systems on her community, with a strong emphasis on legal reform, child protection, the criminal justice system, domestic, faily and sexaul violence and culturally informed practices, specifically concerning children’s rights, child sexual exploitation, and the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care and the youth criminal justice system.

As a Fulbright Scholar, Vanessa furthered her advocacy by advancing global relations and research on children's welfare and rights in the United States. Leading national and international discussions on human rights and child protection reform, she remains a compelling voice for justice and self-determination.
Vanessa is also the author of 'Long Yarn Short,' a profoundly moving account that delves into child removal and the legal implications in Australia. Through her expertise in law, scholarship, national and international advocacy, and compelling storytelling, Vanessa is a defender for justice, self-determination, and the protection of children’s rights, Indigenous rights, and human rights.