Following Claire Mallinson’s announcement earlier this year that she would not be seeking a fourth term as Amnesty International Australia (AIA) National Director, it was announced at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting that Samantha Klintworth has been appointed to be the new National Director.

AIA Board Chair Gabe Kavanagh paid tribute to Claire who departs Amnesty on the 31st October, while welcoming Klintworth to the new role.

“Claire became the National Director of Amnesty International Australia in October 2007. Since then, internationally – and at home – we have seen rising hatred and extremist views, the closing of borders, and conflict that causes irreparable harm,” Kavanagh said.

Under Claire’s leadership, Kavanagh said, AIA has faced these challenges with courage, grown their supporter base by 400% and most importantly helped save and protect lives and delivered justice for people facing human rights abuses.

“On a personal note, it has been a privilege to work with Claire. She is a wonderful example of leading with generosity, humanity and tenacity and I am grateful for our time as colleagues. She has navigated the tension of the role skillfully: a driving commitment to human rights, a deep appreciation for our member leadership, an ambitious pursuit of organisational reform, and a calm and methodical approach to the everyday,” she said. ‘Her achievements speak for themselves – Claire has been pivotal in achieving human rights wins at home and across the world,” she said.

Klintworth comes to the role from Uniting Care where she was most recently General Manager of the Queensland operation.

Having worked in the not for profit community sector for more than 20 years, with a particular focus and passion for working with vulnerable and disadvantaged people and communities, she has experience as a practitioner, senior manager and executive in many service delivery areas including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, asylum seeker and refugee communities and youth justice. She is a passionate human rights advocate.

“I have long respected the amazing work of Amnesty, and I am both excited and humbled to be joining the team at Amnesty International Australia,” she said.“I look forward to contributing to and supporting the vital work of defending human rights undertaken by our members and activists.”