Our people and board

Frances Klaassen OAM joined TASC National as CEO in February 2020, bringing a reputation as an innovative collaborator in the South West Queensland community sector.

For the last 25 years, Frances has been at the forefront of establishing new services in the Toowoomba, Warwick and Southern Downs region to support families, children and young people in vulnerable circumstances, and members of multicultural communities.

As Regional Director for Mercy Community, Frances implemented a diverse range of services including the nationally award-winning Cultural Diversity Hub (incorporating the Community Action for a Multicultural Society or CAMS Program), and the region’s multi-award winning Settlement Grants program. She introduced the Women’s Wellness Centre in Toowoomba; the Indigenous Foster Care program, which was later transitioned to Goolburri; and partnerships with organisations like Playgroup Australia and Lifeline Darling Downs to fill gaps in early intervention programs in the region.

As the champion of groups like the Local Level Alliance and Refugee and Migrant Settlements Services Interagency, Frances has driven successful collaborations to support the region’s diverse communities. In 2015, Frances received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to children and families through social welfare organisations.

Frances began her career as a social worker in child protection, and has operated her own businesses in hospitality, training consultancy and mediation. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Queensland and is accredited as a mediator with the Attorney-General’s Department.

Rohit has extensive experience in the Not-for-Profit space, having worked corporate and finance roles in various sectors including education, early childhood, advocacy, disability and aged care.

Currently CFO and Company Secretary for TASC National Ltd, Rohit oversees financial , human resources and ICT functions with a strong focus on risk and corporate governance.

In addition to his professional experience and qualifications, Rohit has worked in voluntary roles with organisations which have an interest in education, youth and leadership. Rohit currently serves on the board of the National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) as Treasurer.

David joined TASC in 2017 and has a dual leadership role with our organisation. As Legal Services Manager, David coordinates and manages all aspects of TASC’s legal service. This involves ensuring clients receive high quality support in accordance with service agreements, policies, and TASC’s mission and values. As Principal Solicitor, David ensures services are compliant with the Community Legal Centres Australia Risk Management Guide and relevant statutory obligations; and oversees TASC’s contributions to legal policy development and law reform.

David has specialised expertise gained from a career spanning both the legal and health sectors. His legal career started in medical negligence with Maurice Blackburn in Maroochydore and later as the Human Rights Lawyer with Queensland Advocacy Incorporated in Brisbane. Before moving to law, he was a registered nurse with experience in mental health, general and occupational nursing.

David’s background as a frontline mental health worker has given him a unique insight and commitment to social justice, which underpins his reputation as an expert on restrictive practice as a human rights issue. He speaks and consults extensively on this topic, including as an invited speaker to the United Nations and the Disability Royal Commission, to ABC radio and other media, and to government, legal and advocacy bodies.

David has a Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and a Masters of Law, all from Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

Gail is an accomplished social justice manager with 15 years of expertise in child protection, and is now at the helm of disability advocacy, Redress support, and mental health initiatives.

Her dedication to creating a fairer community and a lived experience of how disability can impact families has led her to champion the rights of vulnerable populations.

With a compassionate and strategic approach, Gail guides advocacy teams in addressing the diverse challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Leading the Redress Support team, she facilitates healing and justice for survivors of injustice. Moreover, her commitment to mental health advocacy fosters understanding and support for those in need. Gail’s multifaceted efforts continue to make a lasting impact on social justice and inclusivity.

Lesley joined the TASC Board as a Director in 2007 and was elected Chairperson in 2019.

With many years’ experience in the education, health and not-for-profit sectors, she now contributes to organisations that tackle social issues, transform the lives of individuals and improve the wellbeing of communities.

In addition to her role with TASC, Lesley is a member of the Industry Engagement Team of workRestart, a social enterprise at Borallon Training and Correctional Centre.

Lesley has worked as a marketing manager, training and development consultant and human resources advisor.

Craig joined the TASC Board as a Director in 2019 and was elected Deputy Chairperson in 2020.

He is the Chief Customer Officer for the Warwick Credit Union. With over 30 years’ experience in the finance industry, Craig brings extensive business and leadership experience to the TASC Board.

He has strong community appreciation and connections from across Queensland.

Craig has qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors – Company Director Course, UNSW Australian Graduate School of Management – Executive Management..

Ann-Marie joined the TASC Board in 2023. Ann-Marie is currently the CFO and General Manager Finance and Business Strategy at Toowoomba Regional Council and was proud to be the first female member of the Executive Leadership Team.
She joined Toowoomba Regional Council in 2011 following an extensive career in financial management in diverse industries including manufacturing, insurance, transport, education, engineering, agri-business and arts management.
Ann-Marie has a Bachelor of Commerce from James Cook University, is a Fellow of CPA Australia and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Ann-Marie has extensive governance experience and is passionate about diversity and inclusion.

Dr Rhett Martin joined the TASC board in 2022, bringing with him wide experience gained from private legal practice and academia.

Rhett graduated from Melbourne University with degrees in Commerce and Law and also holds an LLM and PhD in sustainability regulation.

Rhett is a senior lecturer in law at the University of Southern Queensland, where he has worked since 2014. His research interests include environmental and sustainability regulation which looks at the intersection of law with sustainability and he has authored ‘Understanding Sustainability Law’ (2017, LexisNexis) along with a series of academic articles on ecologically sustainable forest management.

Before relocating to Toowoomba he worked at RMIT and Monash University. Rhett practiced as a solicitor in medium and large firms prior to entering academia.

Rhett lives and works in Toowoomba and has two daughters and a stepson. In his spare time, infrequent as it may be, he loves to explore Queensland with his family.