Anne Hollonds commenced as National Children’s Commissioner in November 2020.

Before her appointment to the role, Anne was the Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies, an independent statutory authority of the Australian Government responsible for conducting research and providing advice on child and family wellbeing. In this role she was also Director of the Australian Gambling Research Centre.

For more than 23 years Anne was a Chief Executive Officer of government and non-government organisations focussed on research, policy and service delivery in health, education and social services. Anne has had extensive front-line experience including in child protection, out-of-home care, domestic and family violence, child and family therapy, parenting education, and mental health. 

Anne currently contributes to several advisory boards and councils, including the Family Law Council, the National Plan Advisory Group, the National Child Maltreatment Study, and the NSW Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault Council.

Anne has a professional background as a psychologist and social worker, combined with an MBA, and has completed international executive programs in strategy and leadership at Harvard and Stanford universities.

As a child, Anne emigrated from Finland with her parents. She has two adult daughters, and three grandchildren.