Moo Baulch OAM named new Our Watch chair

Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston today announced Moo Baulch OAM will be the chair of Australia’s national organisation for the prevention of violence against women and children, Our Watch.

“I congratulate Ms Baulch on her appointment following a career dedicated to social justice, human rights and addressing gender-based violence,” Minister Ruston said.

“Ms Baulch has more than two decades of experience working to improve responses for victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual abuse within Australia and internationally, making her well qualified for this appointment.

“Her impressive resume includes Domestic Violence NSW chief executive and supporting the development of Commbank’s Next Chapter financial abuse program.”

Minister Ruston said the Morrison Government was investing $420 million to prevention initiatives under our $2.5 billion commitment to the first Action Plan under the new National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032. 

“We know we must stop gendered violence before it starts. Our investment includes a record $104 million to support Our Watch to build on their critical work which I look forward to working with Ms Baulch on delivering,” Minister Ruston said.

Victorian Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams welcomed the appointment.

“I congratulate Moo Baulch, whose background and qualifications make her an excellent appointment to steer Our Watch through the significant work to drive long lasting change in the prevention of family violence,” Minister Williams said.

“Our Watch has firmly established itself as a respected leader in Australia’s work to prevent violence against women. I want to thank Phil Lambert for his leadership as interim chair during a critical period for the organisation.”

“Our Watch and Victoria have worked closely on important, evidence-based work on understanding what works when engaging men and boys to prevent violence against women in Victoria’s nation-leading efforts to end family violence. Victoria has so far invested more than $249.5 million in primary prevention, as part of its broader $3.5 billion invested to reform the family violence system.”

Ms Baulch said having worked alongside Our Watch since it was established in 2013 she had been inspired by its vision for an Australia where women and their children live free from all forms of violence.

“Our Watch is an international leader in the prevention of gender-based violence thanks to strong guidance by the founding chair Natasha Stott-Despoja and chief executive Patty Kinnersly,” Ms Baulch said.

“It’s a particularly exciting time for the organisation with the recent announcement about increased funding from the Commonwealth to expand the reach of this important work. I thank Natasha, interim chair Phil Lambert and past and current Board members for their remarkable contributions in building Our Watch to date.

“Our Watch’s evidence-based framework Change the Story sets out a clear path for workplaces, education settings, media, sporting codes, communities and individuals to take concrete actions to challenge harmful gender stereotypes, intersecting structural inequalities and violence-supportive attitudes.

“I’m deeply honoured to support the next phase of Our Watch’s journey on the eve of the Second National Plan at a time when people from all walks of life want to be part of the solution.

“I look forward to working with the Our Watch Board, Australian governments and the team to help realise this important vision in creating a safer Australia for the next generation.”

Minister Ruston also acknowledged the contribution of Dr Phil Lambert PSM who has acted in the role of Chair since August 2021.

“Dr Lambert worked closely with the Government at a crucial time helping to develop the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022‑2032 and drive change in Australians’ attitudes and behaviours that condone, excuse or even promote violence,” Minister Ruston said.

Our Watch is funded jointly by the Australian Government and all state and territory governments. For more information about Our Watch, visit www.ourwatch.org.au