Published Today at 01:39 PM

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Laura Gerber

New Sexual Violence Review Board puts victims first

  • The Crisafulli Government’s Sexual Violence Review Board has met for the first time today. 
  • Board’s members will review reporting, investigation, and prosecution of sexual offences and deliver recommendations to better protect victims during the criminal justice process.
  • Establishment of the Board is another step towards delivering more support to victims of crime after a decade of Labor putting offenders first. 

The Crisafulli Government’s Sexual Violence Review Board has met for the first time today, with a focus on protecting and supporting victims throughout the justice process. 

The Board’s nine members will identify and review systemic issues in relation to the reporting, investigation and prosecution of sexual offences to ensure victims are proactively supported and offenders are held to account. 

The Board’s work will support the LNP Government’s commitment to deliver better outcomes and support for victims of sexual violence, after a decade of Labor failing to prioritise victims’ rights. 

Board members were chosen for their professional experience in supporting victims or dealing with sexual violence cases.  

Board members include:  

  • Rebecca O’Connor (Chair)  
  • Diane Macleod (Deputy Chair) 
  • Nathan Crane
  • Sarah Cruickshank 
  • Brian Connors APM
  • Catherine Crawford  
  • Cressida Monypenny 
  • Debra Fletcher 
  • Dr Ian Home  

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the Crisafulli Government will always support victims of crime, and the Sexual Violence Review Board is another step towards ensuring victims’ rights are prioritised.  

“For a decade, Labor put the rights of offenders before the rights of victims and failed to protect or support victims of sexual violence throughout the justice process,” Minister Gerber said.  

“The Sexual Violence Review Board will address the current gaps in the system and deliver recommendations to strengthen legislation and systems around sexual violence to better protect victims. 

“We must put victims at the heart of justice, and that starts with giving them the support and respect they deserve throughout the justice process”. 

ENDS 

Media Contact: Phoebe Powell 0419 625 794 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  

Rebecca O’Connor (Chair) is Queensland’s Victims’ Commissioner with extensive experience working in health, child protection, domestic, family, and sexual violence services across Australia.  

Diane Macleod (Deputy Chair) is the Founder and Director of the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence, a director of the Red Rose Foundation, and sits on several advisory bodies including the Queensland Sexual Violence Prevention Roundtable. 

Catherine Crawford is the CEO of the North Queensland Combined Women’s Services, which has supported women in Townsville for over 40 years. Ms Crawford has led its core services for 19 years, including the 24/7 Sexual Assault Support Service, Women’s Health Service, and Specialist Homelessness Service. 

Cressida Monypenny is a registered nurse with more than 20 years of experience, primarily in Queensland Health’s Emergency Department. Ms Monypenny has extensive experience supporting sexual assault victims through medical care, forensic examinations, referrals, and ongoing support.  

Debra Fletcher is a Senior Housing and Neighbourhood Manager with Encircle Community Services and has more than 20 years’ experience working in child protection, family intervention and mental health.  

Dr Ian Home is a Senior Forensic Physician in Clinical Excellence Queensland within Queensland Health. Dr Home provides forensic assessments of assault victims and alleged offenders, medical advice and detailed reports to the Coroner, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Queensland Police. 

Brian Connors APM is the Assistant Police Commissioner leading the Crime and Intelligence Command within the Queensland Police Service. Mr Connors serves on the CrimeStoppers Queensland Board and sits on the Crime and Corruption Commission’s Crime Reference Committee. 

Sarah Cruickshank is the Director-General of the Queensland Department of Justice and is a highly experienced policy, service delivery and governance reform leader with 18 years’ experience as a senior executive in both the public and private sectors.  

Nathan Crane is the Deputy Director at Queensland’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Crane has extensive experience in criminal law and provides strategic legal leadership in complex and high-profile matters.