Speakers
Rosie Batty
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Luke B atty Foundation | Inaugural Chair of the Victim Survivor’s Advisory Council in Victoria
Rosie Batty’s life was forever changed when her 11-year-old son, Luke, was tragically killed by his father. Despite the overwhelming grief, Rosie turned her personal tragedy into a relentless crusade against domestic violence, becoming a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.
From the moment she publicly spoke out after her son’s death, Rosie has given a voice to countless victims of domestic violence. As the inaugural Chair of the Victorian Government’s Victim Survivor’s Advisory Council, she ensured that victims were at the heart of policy decisions following Australia’s first Royal Commission into Family Violence.
Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including Australian of the Year, the Pride of Australia National Courage Medal, and the Order of Australia. Rosie has also been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, named one of the world’s top 50 greatest leaders by Fortune magazine, and voted the most influential person in the not-for-profit sector by Pro Bono Australia—twice.
Rosie was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Sunshine Coast for her work in raising national awareness on family violence. More than just a survivor, Rosie’s legacy lies in her ability to inspire others, empowering them to confront darkness and find strength in resilience. She is a leader, champion, and symbol of hope for a safer, more compassionate future.
Dr Bill Liley
Co-founder, Managing Director of Violence Prevention Australia
Dr Bill Liley is a distinguished expert in trauma-informed care and violence prevention, with extensive experience in primary care. He is a dedicated practitioner and advocate for integrating positive and strengths-based approaches into clinical practice, aiming to create safer and more supportive environments for both patients and healthcare providers.
Dr Liley is renowned for his work on "The Cooktown – 10," a pioneering model that exemplifies trauma-informed primary care in Australia. His innovative framework has made significant strides in making prevention opportunities more accessible and practical for practitioners.
With a deep commitment to education and systemic change, Dr Liley frequently speaks at conferences and webinars, sharing his insights and strategies for addressing violence and its harms in clinical settings. His expertise spans a broad range of topics, including the pathogenesis of violence, diagnostic dilemmas in primary care, and the application of trauma-informed principles to enhance patient outcomes.
Dr Liley's work is grounded in a belief that primary care, when delivered through a trauma-informed lens, is most effective in supporting individuals and communities. His contributions to the field are widely recognised, making him a leading voice in violence prevention and trauma-informed practice.
Dr Ian Freckelton
AO KC
Dr Ian Freckelton KC is a distinguished barrister with a diverse practice spanning administrative, disciplinary, criminal, commercial, and human rights law. Renowned for his strategic advocacy and meticulous preparation, he represents individuals and institutions in high-profile cases, including Royal Commissions, coronial inquests, and inquiries. With expertise in health law and expert evidence, Dr. Freckelton’s career spans over three decades, both across Australia and internationally. He has also served as a part-time judge in Nauru, handling judicial reviews and appeals.
A prolific author, Dr Freckelton has written over 50 books and 750 articles on evidence law, health law, and public health policy. He is the founding editor of the Journal of Law and Medicine and Psychiatry, Psychology and Law. As a Professor at the University of Melbourne and adjunct academic at multiple universities, he focuses on mental health law, health regulation, and the intersection of law and medicine.
Dr Freckelton holds fellowships in several prestigious academies and has held leadership roles in key legal inquiries. His achievements have earned him recognition in Doyle’s Guide and Best Lawyers. A committed public servant, he has been instrumental in advancing integrity in government, medicinal cannabis regulation, and mental health law reform, delivering over 800 global presentations to diverse audiences.
Dr Chelsea Tobin
CEO - Safe Steps
Having excelled in senior executive roles across both the profit and not for profit sector, Chelsea has a wealth of experience leading and empowering teams to deliver large scale socially and commercially impactful outcomes.
Drawing from her lifelong commitment to social justice, award-winning PhD and proven ability to grow and sustain business and organisations, Chelsea is continuing to reach across sectors, forging partnerships, exerting influence and leading sustainable, profitable and socially impactful change.
She has rapidly applied her 15 years of experience as a Director in business strategy and consulting at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, her multiple executive roles across sectors and her strong background in research, as evidenced by her award-winning PhD in economics and psychology. Chelsea and her husband have been foster carers for many years, experiencing first-hand the impact of family violence on young lives and the importance of multi-faceted and long-term responses to both repair and empower. Chelsea is a strong advocate for social justice, with the proven ability, energy and passion to work in partnership to empower communities and create lasting social change