Minister Ruston acknowledges outgoing Our Watch Chair

Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston acknowledged the contributions of Ms Natasha Stott Despoja AO who has announced today that she will be stepping down as Chair of Our Watch, the national foundation to prevent violence against women and their children.

 “I commend Natasha for her eight years of service to the Our Watch Board and as a passionate advocate for women and the prevention of family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia,” Minister Ruston said.

“As the inaugural Chair, Natasha has overseen Our Watch’s tremendous growth into a preeminent national organisation with funding from all jurisdictions across the country and a clear role in the primary prevention of violence.

 “There has never been a more important time for a focus on primary prevention, and Our Watch truly leads the way.

 “I wish Natasha well in her endeavours as a member of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. I have no doubt she will continue to play a key role as we work toward ending violence against women and their children.

 “The next decade is crucial as we deliver initiatives under the next National Plan to end violence against women and their children and Our Watch will continue to have a key part in this ongoing effort.”

 Ms Stott Despoja will conclude her role in late July. The Commonwealth and Victorian governments will work together to announce the new Our Watch Chair.