The Commissioner

Jeff Smith is the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner.

Mr Smith is a solicitor with a lifelong commitment to social justice and the environment, bringing a strong background in disability advocacy, social justice, community legal services, and environmental law advocacy.

Prior to joining the Ageing and Disability Commission Mr Smith held the role of Chief Executive Officer of Disability Advocacy Network Australia, the peak body for independent advocates in Australia. He has also served as CEO of the Environmental Defenders Office NSW for 15 years and later led People with Disability Australia.

Mr Smith is a person with disability who has moved into the disability sector in recent years, while also continuing to work in the environment sector and seeking to identify linkages between the sectors.

He has extensive experience in executive and governance roles with 50 years’ cumulative experience with the Haymarket Foundation, Disability Employment Catalyst, the Leadership Coalition of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), Climate Action Network International, the Australian Centre for Climate and Environmental Law, EDO NSW, the Total Environment Centre, the Environmental Planning and Law Association, and the Climate Institute.