Jennifer Black has been appointed the Mental Health Commissioner of NSW.

Black brings to the role more than 30 years’ experience in mental health advocacy, policy development and service reform.

As CEO of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, Black championed greater collaboration between government agencies, service providers, and the community to improve mental services across Queensland.

Black has also previously held the role of Victorian Deputy Mental Health Complaints Commissioner and was nominated to join the Victorian Ombudsman’s office where she focused on systemic reform and advocacy for individuals facing mental health challenges.

As head of the Mental Health Commission NSW – which works with government and communities to ensure accessible mental health support, especially for those most at risk – Black is expected to bolster the commission’s efforts to improve mental health outcomes by strengthening services and policies across the state.

Black will commence her new role on 14 October.