Experienced Canberra lawyer and advocate Juliette Ford has been appointed as the ACT’s next Victims of Crime Commissioner.
Ms Ford will take up the role on 23 February 2026, succeeding former commissioner Heidi Yates, who resigned effective from 1 August this year. Acting Commissioner Margie Rowe will continue in the position until 22 February 2026.
Ms Ford has more than 20 years’ experience in family law and advocacy. She joined Farrar Gesini Dunn in 2001 and became a partner in 2003, specialising in family law and collaborative practice. Her career has also included work with community legal centres, including the Aboriginal Legal Service in Western Australia, and service as a Registrar of the Family Court of Australia.
Between 2021 and 2024, Ms Ford worked with the ACT Government, leading the Sexual Assault Prevention, Response and Law Reform Program. That work resulted in the Listen. Take Action to Prevent, Believe and Heal report, which informed significant reforms to the ACT’s response to sexual violence, including the Sexual Assault (Police) Review.
Ms Ford said she was honoured to be appointed to the role.
“I am honoured to be appointed the next ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner and will bring all of my experience working at the intersection of individual advocacy and systemic reform to this role promoting the rights of victim-survivors,” she said.
“I have worked in the community, government and private sector as a lawyer promoting the rights of victim-survivors. To have the chance to bring what I have learnt to this role with its dual functions as an independent statutory advocate and providing service delivery is an exciting one.
“As the Victims of Crime Commissioner, I look forward to working with key stakeholders to lead advocacy for victim-survivors, administer statutory schemes and enhance access to justice for all ACT victim-survivors.”
Attorney-General Tara Cheyne said Ms Ford brought extensive experience in advocacy, law and systemic reform.
“Juliette Ford’s career has been shaped by a deep commitment to human rights and advocacy,” Ms Cheyne said.
“She brings a wealth of experience in family law, dispute resolution and victim advocacy, as well as a strong track record in driving systemic reform.
“Her leadership will be critical in helping victims of crime in the ACT receive timely, compassionate and effective support.”
ACT Human Rights Commissioner Dr Penelope Mathew welcomed the appointment.
“Ms Ford is a leading lawyer whose experience spans private practice, community legal centres, government and academia,” Dr Mathew said.
“She is eminently qualified to be the new Victims of Crime Commissioner, and I am looking forward to working with her.”
The Attorney-General also thanked Ms Rowe for her service as Acting Commissioner and her compassion and advocacy.
