The Albanese Government has announced Ms Karen Iles as the new Commonwealth appointed Director on the Board of Our Watch for a two-year term, commencing 16 June 2023.
Our Watch is a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and children in Australia. The Albanese Government committed $104.4 million over 5 years in the 2022-23 Budget to continue supporting Our Watch to deliver on key priorities under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
Ms Iles is a high profile leader in the prevention of sexual assault and workplace sexual harassment, including designing and leading initiatives on gender equality and First Nations social justice. Ms Iles comes to the role with extensive experience in both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors.
Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, welcomed Ms Iles to the Our Watch Board.
"We look forward to the valuable contribution Ms Iles will make supporting Our Watch in its critical work to lead primary prevention efforts to end violence against women and children," Assistant Minister Elliot said.
"Ms Iles' experience and demonstrated commitment to gender equality will be a tremendous asset to the Our Watch Board."
"The Government also thanks the outgoing Commonwealth appointee, Ms Kerry Chikarovski, for her valuable contribution to the Board over the last eight years."
Ms Karen Iles said she is immensely proud to join the Our Watch Board and will continue to champion the prevention of violence against women and children.
"This is an issue that affects all of us. No matter where you live, what ethnicity, sexuality, ability, religion, or job you have, what language you speak or how old you are, gender-based violence impacts each of us directly, or someone we know," Ms Iles said.
"I look forward to supporting the critical prevention work of the Our Watch team in working to change attitudes and behaviours to create a country where women and children are respected and live their lives free of violence."
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
