Voices Towards 2050

Jess Hill

Commissioner Micaela Cronin is joined by Jess Hill, award-winning journalist, author and speaker, about how Australia’s understanding of domestic, family and sexual violence has evolved over the last decade, and what still needs to change. 
The discussion unpacks inconsistent system responses and failures, and what the “front desk lottery” means for people seeking help. Together, Jess and Commissioner Cronin examine why these inconsistencies persist, and what needs to change to ensure reliable, accountable and effective first responses across systems. 
Coercive control is covered in depth, including how it shapes risk and danger, how abuse continues after separation, and how it is evolving through new forms of technology-facilitated abuse. 
Looking ahead, Jess shares what gives her hope that we can achieve a future where domestic, family and sexual violence is rare, brief and non-recurrent. She highlights the need for system change, reform to the family law system and a strong focus on children and young people. 
If you need support, you can contact 1800RESPECT Australia on 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.au For specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76, or visit www.13yarn.org.au  Men can also contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, or visit www.ntv.org.au In an emergency, call 000. 

Commissioner Joe Ball

As we approach LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day and Pride Month, Commissioner Micaela Cronin welcomes Joe Ball, Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, to Voices Towards 2050.  
Together, they explore the unique experiences of domestic, family and sexual violence in LGBTIQA+SB communities – from the strengths and alternatives communities are already modelling, to emerging forms of technology-facilitated abuse and barriers to seeking support. 
This episode highlights the importance of visibility, representation and inclusive systems that respond to the realities of all communities. Commissioner Ball and Commissioner Cronin also discuss how masculinity can be reframed – not as inherently harmful, but as something that can centre care, vulnerability and connection – and why modelling this is essential to preventing violence. 
If you need support, you can contact 1800RESPECT Australia on 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.au For specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76, or visit www.13yarn.org.au  Men can also contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, or visit www.ntv.org.au In an emergency, call 000. 

The Hon Ged Kearney MP

The Hon Ged Kearney MP joins Voices Towards 2050 to reflect on the vulnerability of speaking publicly about her lived experience of coercive control, and how this shapes her role as Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence. In conversation with Commissioner Micaela Cronin, Ged explores how lived experience should inform policy and practice, the importance of working with men and boys, addressing sexual violence, and why coordinated, whole-of-government and community responses are essential to ending violence in a generation. 
If you need support, you can contact 1800RESPECT Australia on 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.au For specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76, or visit www.13yarn.org.au  Men can also contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, or visit www.ntv.org.au In an emergency, call 000. 

Episode 17: Dr Kelsey Hegarty

Dr Kelsey Hegarty joins Commissioner Micaela Cronin to discuss why domestic and family violence must be understood as a health issue – not only a justice issue – and what a fully realised prevention and response system could look like by 2050. She reflects on her personal motivations, the importance of lived expertise, and the need for early intervention with people who use violence. If you need support, you can contact 1800RESPECT Australia on 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.auFor specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76, or visit www.13yarn.org.au Men can also contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, or visit www.ntv.org.auIn an emergency, call 000.

Episode 16: Holly Supple-Gurruwiwi

Indigenous early years educator, survivor advocate, and Lived Experience Advisory Council member Holly Supple-Gurruwiwi shares her powerful vision for a future where safety is a given and Aboriginal women lead system transformation. Holly reflects on 25 years of walking alongside women in remote communities, the impact of the PARt training program, and the importance of putting lived experience and cultural authority at the centre of decision-making. This is a conversation about creating lasting change from within the systems that shape people’s lives.
If you need support, you can contact 1800RESPECT Australia on 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.auFor specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76, or visit www.13yarn.org.auMen can also contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, or visit www.ntv.org.auIn an emergency, call 000.

Episode 15: Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine

Commissioner Micaela Cronin speaks with Dr. Tessa Boyd-Caine, CEO of Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), about how evidence and lived experience expertise can transform systems and improve safety. Tessa shares her vision for 2050, where violence is no longer an expected part of women’s and children’s lives, and where every child grows up knowing what safety feels like. She reflects on the role played by ANROWS in developing and marshalling practical evidence to help end gender-based violence.
If you need support, you can contact 1800RESPECT Australia on 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.auFor specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76, or visit www.13yarn.org.au Men can also contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, or visit www.ntv.org.auIn an emergency, call 000.

Episode 14: Quinn

In this episode of Voices Towards 2050, Micaela Cronin speaks to Quinn, a member of the Commission’s Lived Experience Advisory Council, about how we can ensure gender-based violence is rare, brief, and non-recurring. During the episode, Quinn shares their vision for embedding lived experience leadership in policy design to challenge assumptions and create initiatives that truly work in context.
If you need support, you can contact 1800RESPECT Australia on 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.auFor specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76, or visit www.13yarn.org.au Men can also contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, or visit www.ntv.org.auIn an emergency, call 000.

Episode 13: Vincent Shin

Vincent Shin, a member of the Commission’s Lived Experience Advisory Council, legal professional, and survivor of childhood family violence, opens up about his experiences and the motivation behind his advocacy. Vincent shares his insights on the need for better support systems for young people facing family violence, the impact of intergenerational trauma, and how we can break the cycle. His personal journey of overcoming adversity serves are inspiring for those looking to create real change – both for themselves, and in ending family violence.
If you need support, you can contact 1800RESPECT Australia on 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.auFor specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76, or visit www.13yarn.org.au Men can also contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, or visit www.ntv.org.auIn an emergency, call 000.

Episode 12: Sophie Cusworth

Commissioner Micaela Cronin speaks with Sophie Cusworth, CEO of Women with Disabilities Australia, about her ambitions for a safer, more inclusive future. Sophie discusses how her lived experience as a woman with multiple disabilities fuels her advocacy, and why addressing the safety of people with disability is key to ending gender-based violence. This episode highlights the importance of empowering those most impacted to lead change. 
If you need support, you can contact 1800RESPECT Australia on 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.auFor specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76, or visit www.13yarn.org.au Men can also contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, or visit www.ntv.org.auIn an emergency, call 000.

Episode 11: Yumi Lee

In this episode of Voices Towards 2050, Micaela Cronin speaks with Yumi Lee, lifelong peace and women's rights advocate, and CEO of the Older Women’s Network NSW. Yumi reflects on her global journey from rural Japan and Malaysia to grassroots work in Vietnam and Australia, shedding light on the human cost of gender-based violence and the structural changes needed to end it. This is an inspiring conversation about dignity, justice, and rebuilding systems with care at their core.
If you need support, you can contact 1800RESPECT Australia on 1800 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.auFor specialised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76, or visit www.13yarn.org.au Men can also contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, or visit www.ntv.org.auIn an emergency, call 000.