Former senator Natasha Stott Despoja has been appointed as the Royal Commissioner to lead South Australia’s inquiry into Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence. 

The commission, set to commence on July 1, is a response to the alarming spate of violence that saw the deaths of six individuals last year, underlining the urgent need for effective action.

Stott Despoja, renowned for her commitment to gender equality and violence prevention, brings a wealth of experience to the table. 

Her tenure as the founding chair of Our Watch, a national foundation aimed at eradicating family violence, coupled with significant roles at both the national and international levels, including as a UN Committee member on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, positions her as a leader for this crucial inquiry.

With a mandate to explore five critical areas - prevention, early intervention, response, recovery and healing, and coordination - the Royal Commission aims to deliver recommendations to the government to significantly reduce the prevalence of domestic violence. 

Stott Despoja's vision for the commission is clear: “Eradication - that's my aim”. 

The commission's focus extends beyond policy recommendations, aiming to shift societal perceptions and ensure that survivors' voices are heard and valued.

“Violence against women and children is preventable. That's the good news. It's not an inherent part of the biological condition,” Stott Despoja said. 

Premier Peter Malinauskas and Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Katrine Hildyard have both highlighted the commission's importance, with Malinauskas noting the allocation of $3 million to the initiative and stressing the need for cultural change to address this complex issue.

The initiative aligns with the government's broader commitment to tackling domestic violence, which includes legislative and policy reforms aimed at enhancing protections for survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.