Australia’s domestic violence commissioner joins Papua New Guinea anti-violence organisation

Australia’s inaugural Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, Micaela Cronin, has been appointed to the board of Papua New Guinean non-government organisation Femili PNG.

The move brings high-level Australian policy expertise to the frontline of gender-based violence response in PNG, where local organisations face severe pressure to meet demand for crisis accommodation and support services.

Ms Cronin, a third-generation social worker who previously served as President of the Australian Council of Social Service [ACOSS], brings decades of frontline and executive experience across Australia and Asia.

Femili PNG operates Case Management Centres in Lae and Goroka, alongside the Bel isi Case Management Centre and Safe House in Port Moresby, connecting survivors with medical care, emergency shelter, legal assistance, and court protection orders.

"Micaela’s appointment will further strengthen Femili PNG’s board," the organisation said in a media statement.

Cronin was considered for her track record in leading international anti-trafficking and human rights programs.

The board is chaired by Professor Stephen Howes, Director of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre, alongside Deputy Chair Dr Eric Kwa, Secretary of PNG’s Department of Justice and Attorney General.

Family and sexual violence remains one of PNG's most pressing human rights challenges, with PNG government data and regional monitoring showing that a vast majority of women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

Ms Cronin joins existing board members including Marcia Kalinoe, Program Manager of the National Gender Based Violence Secretariat, and Moses David, Vice-President of the PNG Business Council.