Respected advocate announced as Queensland’s first Victims’ Commissioner

• Rebecca (Beck) O’Connor as Queensland’s first Victims’ Commissioner
• As commissioner, Ms Connor will champion rights and needs of victims of crime.

After spending years standing up for victims of crime, the Miles Government has appointed Rebecca (Beck) O’Connor as Queensland’s first Victims’ Commissioner.

Ms O’Connor has dedicated her professional career to social justice, championing equality and self-determination, and standing up for victims across many sectors including health, mental health, child protection, as well as social and disability support.

Currently the Chief Executive Officer of DVConnect/Victim Connect, Ms O’Connor is also a co-chair of the Independent Ministerial Advisory Council (IMAC), Deputy Managing Director of the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation and a founding member of the National Lived Experience Advisory Council for the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission.

This extensive experience makes Ms O’Connor well positioned to ensure the perspective of victim-survivors are a key part of informing her examination of current system responses and ensuring that government and community led approaches ethically reflect and meet victim’s needs and rights.

Ms O’Connor officially commences the role on July 29th for a five-year appointment, taking over from Interim Commissioner Jon Rouse APM.

The Victims’ Commissioner will play a critical role in championing the rights of victims of crime and provide a platform for their voices to be heard within the criminal justice system, as well as addressing systemic issues impacting their welfare.

The Miles Government committed to the establishment of a Victims’ Commissioner following recommendations made in the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, Hear her voice: Report Two.

A national search was undertaken to find the best candidate for the position.

The Miles Government committed $18 million last year to establishing the Victims’ Commissioner Office and ensure it had the resources to connect with Queensland communities.

Earlier this month the Miles Government announced a further $2.97 million to support the Victims’ Commissioner’s functions in promoting and supporting the rights of victims in our community.

The Victims’ Commissioner will have the power to conduct systemic reviews of key matters relating to victims of crime and will also review the State’s Charter of Victims’ Rights. This review will specifically consider whether additional rights should be recognised or if existing rights should be expanded.

The role will also have responsibility for developing a website to help guide victims as they navigate the criminal justice process.

Jon Rouse APM, was appointed as Interim Victims’ Commissioner last September and began the process of engaging with victims of crime, families of victims, victim support services and criminal justice agencies to hear about victims’ experience in the criminal justice system.

Mr Rouse served for 39 years with the Queensland Police Service, notably leading Taskforce Argos, and being named Queensland Australian of the Year in 2019. He is also a recipient of the Exemplary Conduct medal and the National Police Medal.

As stated by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:

“There was an exhaustive search and selection process for this position and Ms O’Connor is eminently qualified for the role. I have no doubt she will have the trust and respect of all Queenslanders.

“Ms O’Connor’s experience as CEO of DVConnect and Victim Connect gives her valuable insight into the support victims of crime need.

“She has dedicated her life standing up for victims of crime and ensuring their voices are heard.

“The independent Victims’ Commissioner will conduct systemic reviews and importantly will consult with victims of crime on matters relating to them.

“Ms O’Connor will make recommendations and provide advice to the Attorney-General about those areas of responsibility and monitor the implementation of those recommendations.

“I wish to thank Jon Rouse APM for his tireless efforts in his time as Interim Commissioner. He has laid solid groundwork for Ms O’Connor to build upon.

“The Victims’ Commissioner will continue to listen to victims and work with them to provide the support they deserve.”

As stated by the Victims’ Commissioner, Beck O’Connor:

“Being appointed as the first Victims’ Commissioner is both a privilege and a profound responsibility.

“I am deeply committed to elevating the voices and concerns of those with lived experiences, ensuring our systems prioritise the rights and recovery of victim-survivors.

“In this role I have an opportunity to lead transformative change with courage and compassion.

“I am dedicated to removing barriers to justice and healing, ensuring that our systems not only support but also enable victims to thrive.

“I would like to acknowledge the significant work of Jon Rouse APM and his team at the Victims’ Commission and look forward to deepening community engagement and continuing our shared focus on improving government and community responses to not only meet but also anticipate the needs of victims.”