12/08/2026
After three years as Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commissioner and the Principal Community Visitor (PCV), the Commission and Community Visitor Program (CVP) thanks Commissioner Jeswynn Yogaratnam and acknowledges his significant contribution to advancing equality, inclusion and respect across the Northern Territory.
Jeswynn commenced as Commissioner at a time of significant legislative change, including the introduction of Positive Duty under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT). Under his leadership, the Commission has worked to move Positive Duty beyond a legal obligation and towards a practical framework for creating safer, more respectful and inclusive organisations.
In his dual role as Principal Community Visitor, Jeswynn helped shape the CVP’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan which guided the implementation of operational changes to the program.
Among his many contributions during his term, Jeswynn:
• established the annual Positive Duty Oration, bringing national leaders and Commissioners to the Territory three years in a row, ensuring Territory perspectives are represented in national conversations;
• strengthened collaboration with federal, state and territory human rights commissions, including capability-building opportunities for Commission staff;
• led the development of practical Positive Duty guidance to support organisations to understand and implement their obligations; and
• built strong networks and partnerships to extend the reach and impact of the CVP and the Commission’s work.
Jeswynn has also been deeply committed to building an inclusive, flexible and values-led workplace within the Commission, where diversity, wellbeing, trust and belonging are genuinely prioritised.
We thank Jeswynn for his kindness, vision, leadership and commitment over the past three years, and for the lasting contribution he has made to the Commission and the Northern Territory community.
We wish him every success in his next chapter.
