We are thrilled to announce that Michael Tidball, Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) in the New South Wales Government, will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming National Child & Family Safety Leadership Summit 2026. His participation promises invaluable insights from the front lines of public sector leadership in child protection and family services.
About Michael Tidball
Michael Tidball assumed the role of Secretary on 1 February 2022, succeeding Michael Coutts-Trotter. With over 35 years of legal and public sector experience, he began his career in child protection within the South Australian public service. He later developed community corrections and juvenile justice programs for the Australian Commonwealth. Prior to DCJ, Tidball served as CEO of the Law Council of Australia (2020–2022) and led the Law Society of NSW for 14 years, during which solicitor numbers grew significantly.
Leadership at DCJ
As Secretary, Tidball heads DCJ the lead agency in the Stronger Communities Cluster delivering essential services to disadvantaged communities, families, and the state’s legal system. His appointment was widely praised for his expertise in policy, leadership, and stakeholder collaboration, particularly amid challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event Details
Date: 22nd May 2026
Time: 8am – 5pm
Venue: State Reception Centre, Fraser’s Kings Park, Perth WA
Join Us at Our Upcoming Events
Join Us at the National Child & Family Safety Leadership Summit 2026 will bring together leaders, practitioners, policymakers, researchers and community voices from across the country. This important gathering creates space for meaningful dialogue on the most pressing issues impacting children and families – including domestic violence, coercive control, child protection, and community wellbeing.
Join us at the WA International Women’s Day 2026 – Leaders Breakfast Event. We honour remarkable women. They shaped Western Australia’s history. For instance, they led through activism and caregiving. Moreover, they built communities.
Register now to secure your place and hear from experts like Hon Nick Goiran MLC as we align efforts for every child and family in Australia.