FORMER Australian of the Year Rosie Batty will lead a new Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council as part of a state government plan to implement all recommendations of a Royal Commission into Family Violence due to hand down its recommendations this week.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the advisory council will have a say on how the Labor state government ensures the Royal Commission’s findings are used to reform the family violence system across Victoria.
Ms Batty’s son Luke was murdered by his father Greg Anderson, who had a history of mental illness and violence against Ms Batty, at the Tyabb football and cricket oval in February 2014.
Mr Anderson was shot by police and died in hospital the day after the horrific incident that shocked the nation.
Ms Batty became a high-profile advocate against family violence and lobbyist for more protection for victims.
“I’m very proud to have former Australian of the Year Rosie Batty lead the Victims Survivors’ Advisory Council. Her courage and leadership is an inspiration to all of us,’’ Mr Andrews said.
Prevention of Family Violence Minister Fiona Richardson thanked victims of domestic abuse for speaking out at Royal Commission hearings.
“Survivors have told us their stories. Now we need to make sure we give them the change they have long asked for,’’ she said.
Ms Batty’s appointment has bipartisan political support.
“Rosie is a formidable advocate and a great contributor for better public policy,” State Liberal opposition leader Matthew Guy said.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 29 March 2016
