Office of the Public Advocate
Photo: Dan Stubbs shakes hands with the Hon Maree Edwards MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria. They are standing in front of a wooden door, flanked by the Austrlian and Aboriginal flags.
Dan Stubbs was was officially sworn in as Victoria's new Public Advocate at Parliament House on Wednesday 15 October 2025. He will commence in the role at the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) on Monday, 17 November 2025.
Dan brings significant expertise and a strong commitment to advancing the rights of people with disability. As the inaugural Victorian Disability Worker Commissioner, Dan has led the development of a nation-leading regulatory scheme focused on safe, high-quality disability services.
A person with lived experience of disability, Dan is widely respected for his work across the community legal sector, international human rights, and systemic advocacy. He holds qualifications in law, commerce, development economics and legal practice, and has consistently demonstrated a passion for justice and inclusion.
As we mark this important leadership transition, we also want to acknowledge and thank Daniel Leighton for his dedication and impact in the role of Acting Public Advocate over the past year.
Until Dan commences, Daniel Leighton will continue in the role of Acting Public Advocate, after which Ihe will return to his substantive position as Deputy Public Advocate
Daniel says: "t has been a privilege to serve as Acting Public Advocate during a time of important work and continued advocacy. I’m proud of what has been achieved during this period, and I look forward to continuing working with you as we strive to create a more just and inclusive Victoria."
With the positions of Public Advocate and Deputy Public Advocate now filled, OPA is strongly placed to build on our work safeguarding the rights and interests of people with disability.
Photograph of Dan Stubbs and Daniel Leighton with their arms around each other standing in front of the Office of the Public Advocate sign
