Robert Fitzgerald AM

Patron of Justice Connect

Robert, a lawyer by background, was appointed the Ageing and Disability Commissioner NSW in July 2019. He brings a significant amount of knowledge and experience to his role as Patron of Justice Connect.

Previously appointed as Productivity Commissioner, the Community and Disability Services Commissioner and Deputy Ombudsman in NSW. Robert has also served as the convener of the Indigenous Disadvantage Working Group of the Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision and Commissioner on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Robert was appointed to Chair the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Advisory Board for three years from 2012 and was formerly President of the Australian Council of Social Services.

Robert was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1994, is a recipient of the Centenary medal, and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Australian Catholic University in 2001.

Mr Fitzgerald has stated, “I saw firsthand Justice Connect’s excellent work when serving as Chair of the Advisory Board of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. Their commitment to building a strong, vibrant community sector, and their work in using the law to do so, is unique, and it is an organisation I am excited to represent publicly.”