Dr HANNAH Tonkin has been appointed the state’s first Women’s Safety Commissioner.

Dr Tonkin is a Rhodes Scholar and former United Nations Lawyer, and was the Director for Disability Rights at the Australian Human Rights Commission in Sydney from 2019 – 2020.

She is currently a Barrister at Hanson Chambers in Adelaide and Garden Court Chambers in London, an Adjunct lecturer at the University of Adelaide teaching international law and holds a seat as the Senior Co-Chair of the Women and Girls Rights Subcommittee of the Australian Lawyers for Human Rights.

Member of the Legislative Council, Aileen MacDonald, welcomed the appointment of Dr Tonkin.

“I am so pleased to see a woman of Dr Tonkin’s exceptional qualifications step up to this new and important role,” Mrs MacDonald said.

“I look forward to seeing improvements to women’s safety in NSW under the leadership of Dr Tonkin, as we work to end violence against women.”

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Natalie Ward, said the accomplished Barrister brought a wealth of experience to the role.

“Women’s safety is a priority for the NSW Government and under the guidance and leadership of Dr Hannah Tonkin, I am confident we can continue to make a great difference in the goal of ending violence against women,” Mrs Ward said.

“The Women’s Safety Commissioner will lead the implementation of our five-year plans to eliminate sexual, domestic and family violence as well as guide new coercive control laws once they come into effect.

“I look forward to working closely with Dr Tonkin and have no doubt she will be a passionate advocate for women and their right to live safely.”

Dr Tonkin will commence in the role in February 2023.