In Conversation with Commissioner Maggie Toko

Maggie Toko brings a powerful blend of lived experience and professional expertise to her role. With a background ranging from consumer consulting to not-for-profit leadership, Maggie has served as the CEO of the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council and the Assistant Commissioner of the Mental Health Complaints Commissioner.

Her deep understanding of the consumer movement, combined with her work in homelessness, sexual assault, and youth advocacy, fuels her drive for system reform. She is passionate about reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health. As an Indigenous person of Ngāpuhi – Ngāti Whātua descent and someone with lived experience of mental illness, Maggie is a passionate human rights advocate dedicated to amplifying the voices of those often unheard.

As Lived Experience, Consumer Commissioner, Maggie’s work in the Commission’s first year has been focused on engaging with consumer groups, service providers and community across the system as well as leading the development of guidance on the mental health and wellbeing principles from the Act so that everyone can understand and follow them. Maggie has taken a particular interest in education, and this year, she has focused on inducting lawyers working in the pro bono space to ensure they are aware of the Commission’s role and consumer rights.