Social Services Regulator congratulates Anthony Kolmus on Public Service Medal

The Social Services Regulator (SSR) congratulates Anthony Kolmus on being awarded a Public Service Medal as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours.

Anthony, who recently retired from a long career in the public service, including at the Social Services Regulator, received the well-deserved accolade today for his outstanding public service in the disability and social services sector. The award recognised his exceptional commitment to improving outcomes and protecting rights for Victorians experiencing vulnerability.

With extensive experience in statutory agencies and the non-government sector, Anthony held key leadership roles as Director, Child Safeguarding and Cultural Safety at the SSR and as the Human Services Regulator in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing prior to the establishment of the SSR. He also held senior leadership roles at the Victorian Disability Services Commissioner, including as Deputy Commissioner where he led teams focused on complaints, abuse prevention, and sector support.

Anthony led the development of the SSR’s Aboriginal Cultural Safety and Engagement team, and worked closely with the team on embedding Aboriginal cultural safety into our regulatory operations and our workplace. He also oversaw the rapid implementation of the Worker Carer Exclusion Scheme, collaborating with social service providers to ensure safeguards for children and support for organisations through the transition.

As the Human Services Regulator, Anthony advanced safe and accountable service provision by ensuring child safety is not only a regulatory requirement, but a shared responsibility. He also strengthened regulatory oversight of Supported Residential Services Accommodation and Personal Support Standards, which excluded unfit providers from delivering services and enhanced safety for people with disability.

The SSR congratulates Anthony on this acknowledgement of his strong legacy and leadership for the safety and rights of children, young people and adults who access social services.

Pictured: Social Services Regulator Jonathan Kaplan (left) and Anthony Kolmus (right).