Leanne Rutherford

Leanne has dedicated her career to human services, particularly in support of vulnerable children, young people and families. Over the past 25 years, she has brought about significant change and improvement for both people working in the sector and those experiencing disadvantage.

Leanne has extensive management and leadership capability, developed through direct service delivery, senior leadership and industry advisory positions held across both the government and non-government sectors, including Queensland Government (child protection and youth justice), Churches of Christ Queensland (CofCQ), Life Without Barriers and the Community Services Industry Alliance Reform Council.

Throughout her career Leanne has been instrumental in the development of new approaches to supporting children, young people and families with complex support needs including the formation and successful delivery of a world-first social benefit bond program Youth CONNECT; whole-of-organisation governance frameworks including Practice Governance and Child Safe approaches; and introduction of an Individual Flexibility Agreement in Queensland to allow unique work arrangements and business continuity for essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leanne is deeply committed to ensuring all people are afforded the opportunity to live lives of purpose, connection, and fulfilment and to receive the support they need, how and when they choose.