The Albanese Labor Government has today announced Micaela Cronin as the inaugural Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence Commissioner.
Following an open and competitive process, Ms Cronin will commence in the important role on November 1.
Australia is one of only three countries to have a national domestic violence commissioner.
Ms Cronin comes to the role following a distinguished career as an experienced CEO and graduate from Harvard Business School.
She is passionate about prevention, early intervention, response and recovery from gender-based violence and will be responsible for measuring the success of the recently released National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said Ms Cronin’s appointment was critical to achieving the goal of ending gender-based violence within one generation.
“The Commissioner is central to the oversight of the National Plan and will be a key advocate for victim-survivors. The Commissioner will work across states and territories to help coordinate key national safety and service frameworks,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Ms Cronin brings significant leadership and governance experience from across the non-profit sector, which will be incredibly valuable in her role as Commissioner.”
Assistant Minister for Social Services, Justine Elliot said the Commissioner will do important work in helping to improve the lives of all people experiencing family, sexual and domestic violence in Australia.
“The Commission will formally embed the voices of victim-survivors at a national level, ensuring that a diversity of lived experiences are heard and championed,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“Importantly, the Commission will work with the sector to track the progress of the new National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, and provide regular reports to Parliament.”
Commissioner-designate Cronin, said that she is honoured to be selected for such an important role.
“I am deeply committed to addressing and ending violence against women and children in all its forms, and am looking forward to the contribution I will make as Commissioner,” Ms Cronin said.
“The new National Plan is an ambitious blueprint, but it is a truly national document with collaboration from all jurisdictions and stakeholders. I will take my responsibility to measure the success of the National Plan delivery seriously.”
A total of $27.4 million has been allocated over five years from 2022-23 to 2026-27 for the operation of the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission.
The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032 is available from the Department of Social Services website.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family, domestic or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT 24 hours, 7 days a week on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au