Joan Fitzpatrick has been appointed as the new Chair of Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS).
Fitzpatrick’s appointment to the role follows an endorsement by the Commonwealth and the state and territory governments.
Fitzpatrick has more than 25 years of board experience, including as CEO and director of the Australian Institute of Insurance and Finance, and as a director of the Create Foundation.
Assistant Minister for Social Services and for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, said Fitzpatrick is a great pick to allow ANROWS to continue its important work.
“The quality of research conducted by ANROWS is key in implementing effective national policy to address, and ultimately end the crisis of gender-based violence, and I am confident Ms Fitzpatrick’s leadership as the new Chair will allow ANROWS to continue their vital work,” Elliot said on Thursday.
“Thank you to both interim Chair Mr Barry Sandison and former Chair, Her Excellency, the Honourable Ms Samantha Mostyn AO for their work towards our shared goal of ending gender-based violence in this country.”
Meanwhile, Chief Risk Officer at The University of Sydney, Nisha Padmanabhan, has also been appointed to the ANROWS board as an independent director.
ANROWS was established in 2013 as a partner of the first National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children. It works to build the evidence base that supports ending violence against women and children in Australia.
Its CEO, Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine, said the organisation is “absolutely delighted” to welcome Fitzpatrick to the role of chair.
“Her strength of expertise in best practice governance and her experience leading across a range of environments including nonprofit organisations, alongside her deep commitment to gender equality, make her ideally placed to guide the Board’s oversight of ANROWS and our strategic impact in the work ahead,” Boyd-Caine said.
Fitzpatrick’s appointment follows the departure of Sam Mostyn AC, who is now serving as Australia’s governor-general.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.