Victoria’s inaugural Family Violence Reform Implementation Monitor, Tim Cartwright, today announced he would leave the role by August.
Explaining his resignation decision Mr Cartwright, whose appointment as Implementation Monitor was announced by Premier Daniel Andrews in September 2016, said: “I feel that after three years in this role, and 44 years of public service – which has no doubt taken a toll on my family – the timing will be right to hand over to someone else who can bring fresh ideas about how, together, we can tackle the scourge of family violence.
“Almost three years ago, Australia’s first royal commission into family violence handed down its landmark report. There were 227 recommendations, making it the most extensive, evidence-based investigation into how to respond to one of the most critical issues we face as a community.
“Announcing my departure this way allows the Government time to find a suitable replacement, and provides reassurance to the sector that there will be an orderly transition. There is still so much work to be done, including the tabling of my second annual report next month, and continuing to hold the Government to account for the delivery of those reforms.
Mr Cartwright described the Monitor’s role as a “privilege”.
“It has given me a terrific opportunity to work alongside so many other incredibly committed people to make a genuine difference for victim survivors.
“Over 41 years in the police force, I witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of family violence on victim survivors, and on the community. As Acting Chief Commissioner, I oversaw the force’s violence against women and children strategy, oversaw the establishment of a family violence command, and advocated strongly for those experiencing family violence.
“Every day, for almost three years, my work as Monitor has been guided by the question: What is best for current and future victim survivors?
“It’s a simple question, but the complexity and significance of the reforms required to provide answers cannot be overstated.
“As the Premier acknowledged when he received the Commission’s report, it requires sustained and effective action, systemic reform, and major investment.
“This is reform that will take a generation – maybe more.
“There have been many positives already. We’ve seen shifts in how the system works. Community awareness of family violence is as high as it has ever been. And – perhaps most importantly – the voices of victim survivors are finally being heard.”
Mr Cartwright said while the role had been challenging at times: “I have enjoyed my time as Monitor. I continue to be impressed and humbled by the commitment of all the people I have met.
“I will continue to work in some shape or form within the family violence sector, in a voluntary capacity. I’m still determined to play some part – just in a smaller way – to deliver better outcomes for victim survivors.
“I am confident whoever replaces me will have the relevant experience, integrity, independence and passionate commitment to ensure continuous and sustained government focus and effort to end family violence.”
Media contact
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