Communities and Justice

Women's Safety Commissioner

The Women's Safety Commissioner acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and pays respects to Elders past and present.

The inaugural Women's Safety Commissioner is Dr Hannah Tonkin.

The Women's Safety Commissioner provides leadership and oversight across the whole of NSW government to strengthen responses to domestic, family and sexual violence. The role fosters collaboration and coordination across the government, the non-government sector and the broader community, as well as giving victim-survivors a greater voice in the development of policies and programs. Other key aspects of the role include awareness raising, education and public engagement to deliver improved women’s safety outcomes.

The Commissioner launched her inaugural Strategic Plan in March 2024.

Read the Strategic Plan: 

Working together to address domestic, family and sexual violence: NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Strategic Plan 2024–2027 (PDF, 2.9 MB)

Biography 

Prior to commencing as the NSW Women's Safety Commissioner, Dr Tonkin was a barrister at Hanson Chambers in Adelaide and Garden Court Chambers in London. She previously worked as an international human rights lawyer at the United Nations and as Director of Disability Rights at the Australian Human Rights Commission. She was also a lecturer in international law at the University of Oxford and University of Adelaide, and Co-Chair of the Women and Girls Rights Subcommittee of the Australian Lawyers for Human Rights.

Dr Tonkin holds a master's degree and PhD in international law from the University of Oxford, where she studied as a Rhodes Scholar, and Honours Degrees in Law and Science from the University of Adelaide.

Social media

Follow the Women’s Safety Commissioner on social media for information and commentary on DFSV policy and programs, as well as news and events.

Facebook icon Facebook

Twitter icon  Twitter

Instagram icon Instagram

LinkedIn icon LinkedIn

Media enquiries

All media enquiries can be directed to:

Phone: (02) 9716 2804

Email: media.unit@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Helplines

If in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) 

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence and you would like safe, professional help and support contact: 


Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.

NSW Domestic Violence Line – 1800 65 64 63
Counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family violence. Interpreters are available.

1800RESPECT on 1800 73 77 32
Support to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse

For additional support contacts, including specialised services please see the Domestic, family and sexual violence support contacts page.

Head shot of Dr Hannah Tonkin
Dr Hannah Tonkin, Women's Safety Commissioner
Contact

Email: womenssafety@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Last updated:

12 Mar 2024