Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, who served as the ACT's first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people commissioner, has publicly accused a Canberra public servant of committing sexual assault and harassment against her while she held the position. In a statement, she expressed that her resignation from the role was solely motivated by her concern for her physical and psychological safety, emphasizing the necessity of considering the well-being of her family as well.

During her tenure, which lasted from her appointment in 2024 until her resignation at the end of 2026, Turnbull-Roberts faced ongoing harassment from the unnamed public servant. She has taken the step of reporting these allegations to the police, noting that the matters are now under investigation by the relevant authorities. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing harassment and abuse within public service roles, particularly as they pertain to vulnerable communities.

Turnbull-Roberts described the psychological impact of her experiences as deeply traumatic, expressing that words cannot fully capture the extent of her suffering. Her allegations highlight not only the individual struggle against harassment but also the broader systemic issues regarding the treatment of Indigenous leaders and women in positions of authority in Australia, pointing toward an urgent need for cultural change within public institutions.